Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns dejected during the 2024 MTN8 first leg semifinal match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on 28 August 2024
Samuel Shivambu, Backpages
Since the beginning of his tenure as the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Manqoba Mngqithi has been resolute on how he has planned to manage Themba Zwane in his team this season although he has been subjected to constant criticism from the outside.
Earlier in the season, as the Brazilians competed in the MTN8 before being knocked out in the semi-finals by Stellenbosch FC, questions were asked on why Zwane had not been starting matches under Mngqithi.
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In eight matches for Sundowns in all competitions this season, Zwane has featured in five with only two starts, and Mngqithi has been clear in saying that the 35-year-old star is being managed to remain fresh and available for all six competitions that the team will be participating in.
However, the situation has been different for the attacker at Bafana Bafana as he has been playing regularly under Hugo Broos in the quest to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Against Congo on Tuesday, Zwane picked an injury which is likely to keep him out of action for long, and Mngqithi who may feel vindicated, has given an update on the influential player’s situation.
“The report we got about Themba is that it’s a partial rapture which could be around three to four months (to heal). But clinically they said it’s a grade three. The possibility is between four to six months,” said Mngqithi who confirmed that the injury would require surgery, while speaking to journalists.
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“I know this player and for him to recover after a match could not be the same as a younger player like (Siyabonga) Mabena but to see a player like Themba playing 90 minutes in the first match and still starting the second match, already for me that was alarm bells. I think we could have dealt with this thing better as the two coaches,” the coach said.
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