Shaquille Gwengwe is already making some serious noise for Newport County, even with a wild start to his tenure. The prolific 24-year-old forward missed a penalty in his competitive debut during the EFL Cup first round against AFC Wimbledon, a 1-1 draw that ended in a crushing 5-4 shootout loss for the Exiles. But talk about bouncing back with a vengeance! Gwengwe wasted no time proving why he’s here, finding the net in his league debut, scoring County’s second goal in their dominant 3-0 season opener win against Rochdale.
From Prolific Past to a Fresh Start
This dude is no stranger to putting the ball in the net. Last season, playing for Poole Town in the Southern Premier Division South, Gwengwe absolutely lit it up with an insane 46 goals in 46 games. That’s not a typo, folks. Forty-six goals! He’s stepped up three whole divisions to join the Exiles, and honestly, you’d think that kind of jump would be a massive adjustment. But Gwengwe is just soaking it all in. “To be honest, I’m just enjoying it. I’m having fun. I think my transition has been fairly comfortable,” he said, giving mad props to the management and the lads for making him feel “really welcome.” He gets it too, knowing the games are “very fast” and “any little mistake, you get punished.” But his focus is clear: “just trying to be in the box and try to get to the end of things and score goals.”
Bouncing Back and Bossing It Out Wide
That penalty miss against AFC Wimbledon? Totally a “one of them blips,” as Gwengwe put it. He insists it didn’t mess with his head for a second. “I had to remain positive,” he added, talking about “fine margins” and “reps, reps, reps” to get it right. That’s the mindset you want from your main guy! What’s even wilder is that manager Mullins deployed the traditional number nine out wide for the league opener. Out wide! But Gwengwe isn’t complaining, he’s just getting the job done. He knows it’s “different, but that’s what the team needs right now. I’m there doing the job for the team. At the end of the day, even though I’m out wide, my aim is to create and score goals.” That’s team-first mentality right there. He’s all in on Mullins’ demanding style too, saying it’s “a good thing” and they’re “all enjoying it under him.”
What a start for Shaquille Gwengwe! Missing a penalty in one game and then dropping a goal in the next speaks volumes about his character and skill. He’s hungry, he’s enjoying his time, and he’s already making an impact. Keep an eye on the Exiles because if Gwengwe keeps this up, it’s gonna be an exciting season for Newport County!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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