The race is on for Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfield maestro Themba Zwane to be fit in time for Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco in December.
The Tembisa-born midfielder has been sidelined with a muscle injury, leaving fans anxious about his availability.
His outspoken coach, Miguel Cardoso, is cautiously optimistic.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DELIVER THEMBA ZWANE UDPATE
Speaking to the media after last weekend’s smashing 4-1 win over Richards Bay FC, the Portuguese coach revealed that Zwane is recovering well and could feature when South Africa kicks off against Angola on 22 December.
The 36-year-old Zwane fell victim to a muscle injury against Magesi FC earlier this month.
“We’re seeing much more development than we expected,” the Sundowns mentor said. “Even for a boy of his age, he is recovering very well.
“We have beautiful expectations regarding him,” Cardoso said, stressing that patience is key,” Cardoso added.
He stressed that caution was needed, with focus not only on the national team but also on Sundowns and Zwane himself.
“We will do it with precaution in order to not damage him again. If we were cautious the last time, now we have to be extra cautious because he deserves it and most of all, we need him.”
Meanwhile, Kabo Yellow, who have also lost Lucas Ribeiro in that attacking midfield role, have signed two new options: Katlego Ntsabaleng and the very exciting Nuno Santos.
BAFANA BAFANA ROLE
In Sundowns’ midfield Zwane is valuable, but for Bafana he seems irreplaceable. Hugo Broos has tried Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule in that number 10 slot, yet none have truly filled the veteran’s boots.
The tournament begins on 22 December in Morocco, with South Africa starting against Angola before tough clashes with Egypt and Zimbabwe in Group B.
At 36, Zwane was pivotal in the bronze-winning run at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, and his availability would be a massive lift for Bafana’s hopes this time around. He currently has 12 goals in 51 games for the national side.