Why Thando Ngwenya is the best performing Zimbabwean in South Africa
The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season is barely underway, but one Zimbabwean has already stamped his authority, AmaZulu FC forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
With the number of Zimbabweans in South Africa’s top flight shrinking, Ngwenya has emerged as the standout performer among the six remaining in the Betway Premiership.
The South African elite league has become a tough place for Zimbabwean players to hold down a spot. The exodus continued this off-season with four more departures.
Isheanesu Mauchi left Chippa United, Mason Mushore departed AmaZulu FC, Edmore Chirambadare exited Magesi FC, and veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi moved on from Marumo Gallants.
All four have since returned home to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Mauchi to Simba Bhora, Mushore to FC Platinum, Chirambadare to Chicken Inn FC, and Arubi to CAPS United.
That leaves just six Zimbabweans across the two top divisions in South Africa. Still in the Betway Premiership are Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga, Orlando Pirates attacker Daniel Msendami, TS Galaxy’s Junior Zindoga, Polokwane City FC’s Juan Mutudza, and Kruger United midfielder Tatenda Tavengwa.
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze is plying his trade in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Magesi FC. Of that group, it is Ngwenya who has made the biggest early impact.
WHAT THANDO NGWENYA SAID
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in action for AmaZulu FC. Picture by AmaZulu FC
The 23-year-old marksman has already scored three goals in two AmaZulu matches and was instrumental in Usuthu’s opening-day 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC, converting from the penalty spot.
He followed that up with a brace in a pulsating 4-3 MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Sekhukhune United on Saturday. After an injury-hit 2025/26 season, Ngwenya has bigger dreams and is not planning on returning to Zimbabwe anytime soon.
“Last season was tough because the injury slowed me down, but I’m grateful to God and the coaches for believing in me,” Ngwenya told FARPost in South Africa.
“The club embraced me when I was down and it is this kind of love that has really given me confidence. Winning the club’s Golden Boot even after spending time on the sidelines gave me confidence. Now the target is bigger.
“I want to help AmaZulu first, and if the goals come and I can challenge for the PSL Golden Boot, I’ll take it. I’m working hard every day because my goal is to be an expensive player, a player that my club AmaZulu can always count on, whether I come from the bench or return from injury.”
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