Ngwenya Credits Opening Goal For His Fine Form

Joint-top league scorer Thando Ngwenya credits his opening-day winning penalty against Stellenbosch FC as the catalyst for his red-hot start to the season.

The composure shown from 12 yards sparked a blistering run of five goals in four matches for Usuthu, firing the Durban-based outfit into third place in the Betway Premiership.

How Did an Opening-Day Penalty Rebuild Thando Ngwenya’s Confidence?

Ngwenya missed most of the second half of last season due to a severe leg fracture. Returning to first-team action required overcoming mental hurdles as much as physical ones.

“That [the penalty] brought confidence in me,” said Ngwenya, who was fortunate to avoid a red card against Orlando Pirates after a bad tackle on Sihle Ndluli last Wednesday.

“Because coming from an injury [fracture], it was not easy because obviously the confidence will be down.”

Ngwenya’s sharp, direct demeanor off the field mirrors his clinical finishing on it. When asked about head coach Arthur Zwane’s tactical instructions, his response was succinct:

“He always told us that every movement must be a goal,” he said.

“He just wants us to be scoring in each and every game and take the game as it comes.”

What Did Arthur Zwane Say About Ngwenya’s Potential?

Zwane previously lamented Ngwenya’s lack of composure in front of goal during his debut campaign. However, following AmaZulu’s 2-0 victory over Siwelele FC at Kings Park Stadium, the Usuthu coach praised the forward’s rapid evolution.

Zwane stated that he wants Ngwenya to aspire to the stature of Zimbabwean icons Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona—two attackers Zwane coached and played alongside during his tenure at Kaizer Chiefs.

With AmaZulu absent from this weekend’s MTN8 semi-finals after a quarter-final exit against Sekhukhune United—a match in which Ngwenya scored twice at Chatsworth Stadium—Usuthu now have time to retool.

Zwane’s side will resume their Betway Premiership campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August.