Former Silver Strikers forward Chawanangwa Kawonga finally made a winning debut for TS Sporting, as he created two goals in the South Africa’s National First Division team’s 4-3 win over Happy Wanderers.
Kawonga had waited for two months since his switch from Mozambique champions Costa do Sol before making his debut for Sporting in the Nedbank Cup round-of-16 match played at Princess Magogo Stadium in Mpumalanga Province.
Speaking before the match, the Flames player said he was frustrated after Dol Sol had penned Fifa claiming he was still contracted to the Maputo side.
Fifa have since cleared Kawonga, hence he was able to feature for Sporting.
“There was a time I was not committed in training because the transfer wrangle was affecting me. I almost gave up that I would never play for Sporting. I am very happy that truth has prevailed in this matter,” he said.
During the match, Kawonga featured as a left winger. He created the opener from a corner-kick which Zimbabwean defender Honest Moyo connected in the eighth minute.
Three minutes later, Kawonga dribbled past three players before he was brought down to earn Sporting a penalty which Mbulelo Wagaba converted.
Sporting finished the game with 10 men after defender Sibusiso Khumalo was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.
However, Wanderers were not dead and buried as Mxolisi Mazibuko and Sandile Mkhwanazi scored a goal each to take the match into extra time, before Sithole came off the bench to grab the late clincher from the penalty spot.
Later on Saturday, defender Limbikani Mzava marshalled Highlands Park backline as they held Premier Soccer League leaders Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 in regulation time before beating them 5-4 on post-match penalties.
On Friday, seasoned midfielder Robert Ng’ambi was in action for Black Leopards as they saw off third tier Amavarara FC 2-0 courtesy of Lesedi Kapinda and Themba Ndlovu’s goals.
Chawanangwa is among eight Malawian footballers based in South Africa after Khuda Muyaba, Chembezi Denis (Polokwane City), Richard Mbulu, Gerald Phiri Junior (Baroka FC), Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Mzava (Highlands) and Ng’ambi (Leopards).