Gomora United head coach Patrick Phungwayo has revealed details of a candid conversation with in-form striker Tiklas Thutlwa, outlining the forward’s bold ambition to one day shatter the record set by Kaizer Chiefs legend Collins Mbesuma.

The 27-year-old marksman has been in scorching form for the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit this season, firing eight goals—including a clinical brace against Cape Town City FC last Friday in Polokwane—to spearhead the club’s push from the front.

However, behind Thutlwa’s remarkable resurgence is a story of grit following a turbulent period in his career. The former Black Leopards, Sekhukhune United, and Venda FC striker suffered a career-threatening leg injury in 2024 while on loan at Venda FC.

The setback kept him on the sidelines for eight months and left him clubless after his departure from Sekhukhune, fueling his fierce hunger to rewrite the PSL history books and prove his worth in the top flight once again.

TIKLAS THUTLWA REPAYING THE TRUST SHOWN BY GOMORA UNITED

However, Thutlwa was given another lifeline at Gomora United during the 2025/26 campaign, and he has continued to repay that trust with crucial goals.

“Tiklas [Thutlwa] wants to go back to the [Betway] Premiership,” Phungwayo told FARPost at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. “Tiklas talks about breaking Collins Mabesuma’s record, so that should tell you the ambition, you know. I think he and I, when we sit and talk about our plans, they align.”

Phungwayo added that Thutlwa’s ambitions go beyond competing in the National First Division [NFD], as he wants to help the club gain promotion to the elite league.

“So, that’s one thing that helps the team because Tiklas is not thinking here [Motsepe Foundation Championship]; he’s looking far ahead,” declared Phungwayo.

“Tiklas tells you we have a chance to win the league. You know, that’s the kind of player that you have, so the mentality is different coming back from injuries, being released [by Sekhukhune United].

“You know, having an opportunity to go back and prove yourself—I think he’s proving himself. Whoever was doubting Tiklas, I’m sure they’re asking themselves questions looking at his numbers now.”

WHY PATRICK PHUNGWANYO BELIEVES HIS TOP STRIKER IS THE SOLUTION TO SCORING PROBLEMS

The former Orlando Pirates defender, Phungwayo, who was appointed head coach of Gomora at the start of the 2026/27 season, believes the talented striker could solve the country’s goal-scoring problems.

“You know, to have a player that you are dependent on, you know that this player is going to give you goals once he gets a chance,” he added.

“I think that’s one thing that we need to talk about because we are lacking strikers as a country and I’m telling you Tiklas is one of the people that every week he scores goals. What you’re asking me tells you he’s answering every critic.

“He’s the current leading goal scorer of this league [NFD]. That should tell you the mentality that he’s got.  You know, he’s hungry for goals; every week I’m telling you, you’ll be asking me about Tiklas. You know, he’s the kind of striker that every team wants. So, for us to have a kind of player that is like that, I think for me it’s special.”