PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 17: Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on September 17, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
At 35, Themba Zwane probably won’t get too many more chances to play at the FIFA Club World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations in the same year, which is why he is extra motivated to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible.
Zwane has been out with an injury since October last year, but is closer to finally making a return to the pitch, having recently started training with the rest of the team.
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Of course, there’s a lot of excitement from Sundowns supporters, who would like to have the captain back for what’s going to be a challenging few months ahead with the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup before taking on the Club World Cup adventure in June.
The last time Zwane played, Manqoba Mngqithi was in the Sundowns hotseat, but now Portuguese mentor Miguel Cardoso is at the helm and it remains to be seen how the new man in charge will use the Bafana Bafana attacker.
“It was difficult, at first. But with the support of my team, my family…I had to push myself. I am happy at the moment. I am running outside and I don’t feel any pain. It’s just that it’s tight at the moment, but overall so far so good,” Zwane said
“Knowing for sure that there’s AFCON and Club World Cup coming, those are the things that made me push more, so that I can come back quicker and try to adjust quicker into the team, so that I can play.”
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‘Mshishi’, as he is affectionately known, is not fazed by the fact that he will have to fight his way into the starting line-up.
“It’s difficult, but it goes with the belief. If you believe in yourself…I’ve been in this situation. Since I came to Sundowns from Aces, I have been fighting for my position. It’s not easy because we have a lot of quality players, but the difference is your mindset. If you believe, then you will do it.”
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