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Thapelo Morena and Themba Zwane, Mamelodi SundownsSundowns
Seth Willis

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos urges Mamelodi Sundowns to be 'careful with Themba Zwane' - 'We can count on him for AFCON & 2026 World Cup'

The Belgian tactician has already started to plan for the two major tournaments that the senior national team will be taking part in from late this year.

  • Bafana will compete in the 2025 AFCON
  • They are on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA WC
  • Broos comments on a key player
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  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Themba Zwane cemented his place in the Bafana Bafana squad owing to his exceptional displays.

    It was unfortunate that he injured his Achilles on October 2024 during the international assignment, and had to miss action for about eight months or so.

    However, he has recently suffered another injury which will keep him out for two months.

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  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    For a year, Zwane has not represented the national team, and hopes of taking part in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers were shattered with the most recent injury.

    Coach Broos has now urged Mamelodi Sundowns to manage the 36-year-old differently since he is key to his plans.

    The tactician insists Zwane is crucial for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, if South Africa qualifies. 

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    WHAT BROOS SAID

    “You know this is not a surprise for me, at that age, with that injury he had, I was afraid it was the end of the career of Themba – it was not a little muscle injury, it was his Achilles, he worked very hard and I think now he’s paying the bill a bit,” he told the media.

    “Before, Themba was never injured; it’s a bit ‘normal’ what’s happening to him; I think he’s fully recovered, but in the future, Sundowns has to be careful with him, at that age, after such an injury, you can’t ask a player to play every game. 

    “Certainly, taking into account his age, they have to be careful with him in the future; otherwise, I’m afraid Themba will go from one injury to another, and I count on him. 

    "I hope he will be good and that we can count on him in the next months, for AFCON and even for the World Cup," Broos concluded.

  • FBL-CAN-2024-RSA-CODAFP

    WHAT NEXT?

    Zwane's form, after injury, will still rely on the way Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso uses him. The Portuguese mentor has, in the past, shown little faith in the creative midfielder.

    It will be vital for the defending Premier Soccer League champions to ensure all the quality players are managed well for the sake of Bafana Bafana.