Zwane Praises Ngwenya’s Impact In A Win Over Galaxy

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane said he anticipated that TS Galaxy would not have the same energy levels and praised the impact of striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya following Usuthu’s dramatic comeback win on Sunday.

Ngwenya played a decisive role in all three goals as AmaZulu came from behind to defeat Adnan Beganovic’s side 3-2 in a Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 23-year-old striker, who replaced Tshepo Mashigo in the 69th minute, was clinical in front of goal, registering two shots on target and scoring with both attempts.

After netting the equaliser, Ngwenya provided the cutback for Mlondi Mbanjwa’s 89th-minute goal at a stage when Usuthu appeared to be heading for defeat.

With the match level at 2-2 — Mbanjwa having cancelled out Junior Zindonga’s effort — Ngwenya went on to bundle home the winner in stoppage time, ensuring AmaZulu remain unbeaten at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“When you analyse the opposition, you look at their strengths and weaknesses,” Zwane said.

“They had just played a match during the week [against Marumo Gallants], and that game took a lot out of them, especially with the travelling involved.

“We were playing at 15:30 in humid conditions. Where they come from is dry. Even though they are based in Johannesburg, they travelled to Mbombela for their previous game, returned to Johannesburg, and then came to us.

“We needed to be very smart and capitalise on that. We knew that at some point they would drop in terms of energy levels.”

Zwane, who is approaching a year as AmaZulu’s sole head coach, added that his team had a plan to increase pressure late in the game.

“We needed something in our pocket to put them under pressure, especially in the last 30 minutes of the second half.

“When Ngwenya came on, he did exactly that, and he also helped Athini Maqokola, who came alive.”

Maqokola’s partnership with Ngwenya caused constant problems for Galaxy, with the former JDR Stars attacker providing both assists for Ngwenya’s goals.

“He was heavily involved in the goals we scored, which is good,” Zwane said.

AmaZulu will next travel to face Marumo Gallants at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday at 15:30.