Kaizer Chiefs may have frustrated Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane on Wednesday night, but former Amakhosi winger Junior Khanye believes the bigger talking point was Themba Zwane’s performance.
The Betway Premiership clash ended 1-1 at Loftus Versfeld and the result suddenly reopened the title race. Sundowns remain top of the table on 65 points after 28 matches, but Orlando Pirates are now only three points behind with a game in hand.
JUNIOR KHANYE QUESTIONS THEMBA ZWANE’S LEVEL
Khanye did not hold back in his assessment of Zwane, saying the experienced midfielder looked off the pace and failed to influence the match before being withdrawn at half-time.
Zwane has endured a difficult season disrupted by injuries and fitness setbacks. The 35-year-old has mostly been used from the bench this campaign, although he started Sundowns’ last three matches, including the clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
Khanye believes Sundowns lose an important attacking dimension when Zwane starts ahead of Nuno Santos, who made an impact after coming on in the second half.
“I’ll complement the Sundowns midfield, which is Jayden Adams, [Marcelo] Allende and [Teboho] Mokoena they did very well,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“Mshishi was the weakest link at Sundowns I need to be honest with you. We have to make peace. Mshishi has done well for South African football but truly speaking lately at Sundowns…”
The outspoken analyst argued that modern football now demands more intensity and urgency, especially in attacking areas.
NUNO SANTOS PRAISED FOR CHANGING THE GAME
Khanye felt Santos immediately lifted Sundowns when he entered the field, bringing direct running and more energy in the final third.
“I mean if you are going to bench Nuno [Santos] for Mshishi it’s a problem that’s my observation. I know football is a game of opinions but the game needs speed these days.
“Speed but not just running for the sake of running however when it’s necessary. Nuno added speed, there was a spark and a sense of urgency, but Mshishi’s run off the ball, nothing.”
Despite the criticism directed at Zwane, Khanye still praised Sundowns’ midfield trio of Adams, Allende and Mokoena for controlling large parts of the game.
The draw against Kaizer Chiefs has now increased pressure on Sundowns heading into the closing weeks of the season, especially with Pirates gaining momentum at exactly the right time.
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