From FC Platinum to AmaZulu: Thando Ngwenya leaves Zimbabwe for South Africa
HARARE – Zimbabwe national team forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has completed a move to South African Betway Premiership side AmaZulu, departing from Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit FC Platinum.
Ngwenya, 22, left Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday to link up with his new club after signing a two-year contract that will run until 2027.
He played his final match for the platinum miners last Saturday, scoring in a 1-1 draw versus title contenders Simba Bhora.
Ngwenya put FC Platinum ahead in the 72nd minute before Isheanesu Mauchi equalised for the visitors.
Bidding farewell to the club, Ngwenya posted an emotional message on his official Facebook page:
“As I stand here today, my heart is torn between the excitement of new horizons and the ache of leaving behind the only home I’ve ever known, FC Platinum.
“From a young age, this team has been my sanctuary, my driving force, and my family. Every triumph, every setback, every sweat-drenched training session, and every triumphant victory has shaped me into the player I am today.
“Leaving you, my mother team, feels like a part of me is being ripped away.
“The thought of not sharing the pitch with my brothers, not hearing the chants of ‘Plasto’ echoing through the stadium, or not feeling the rush of adrenaline as we take the field together, it’s a pain that cuts deep.
“But even in the midst of this heartache, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the unwavering support, the unrelenting push to reach new heights, and the unconditional love that has been my guiding light.
“Home will always be home, and though I’ll roam far and wide, a part of me will forever remain here, wrapped in the memories of FC Platinum.
“Thank you for being my everything. The African Dream may be calling, but my heart will always beat for Plasto. Much thanks to the best team in Zimbabwe, MaPlatso, and special thanks to Coach Norman Mapeza.”
Ngwenya, who scored nine goals this season for FC Platinum, becomes the latest Zimbabwean player to join the South African top-flight league in the post COVID-19 era.
