Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Aubrey Ngoma explains why Themba Zwane 'is going to be difficult to replace' but names players capable of taking over in future - 'They must be protected and guided'

With two games remaining in the AFCON qualifiers for Morocco 2025 - against Uganda and South Sudan during the international break from November 11-19, 2024 - Hugo Broos faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Themba Zwane.

The Mamelodi Sundowns attacker has been ruled out for several months with an Achilles injury sustained against Congo-Brazzaville.

Zwane's former teammate, Aubrey Ngoma, recently weighed in on the dilemma Broos is facing, discussing which players might step up to fill Zwane's role and carry the team forward.

“Themba Zwane is going to be difficult to replace.

“He is at his own level. He has proved to be a rare breed in terms of giving consistent performances for both club and country. So, getting a fitting replacement is not easy," as reported by Farpost.

“But we have some explosive players that are sure to give us something to celebrate. It has been a long since we saw someone like Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng]. He has left me in awe.

“There is also Jayden Adams, who has been promising. Despite the indiscipline issue, I know he is the star we all want. Oswin has proved himself.

“For me, these three players must be protected and guided at both club and national team level. They are a potential big force. Considering their ages, they are what we want,” Ngoma said

Losing Themba Zwane is a significant blow for Bafana Bafana, given his experience, creativity, and consistency in both domestic and international football.

With crucial AFCON qualifiers ahead, Hugo Broos now faces the challenge of reconfiguring the midfield. Aubrey Ngoma’s comments highlight the opportunity to nurture younger talents like Relebohile Mofokeng, Jayden Adams, and Oswin Appollis - players who bring energy and promise but need careful guidance at both club and national levels.

This transition could mark the beginning of a new era for Bafana, one that focuses on building a future-oriented squad while maintaining the momentum for AFCON 2025 qualification.

Bafana Bafana’s immediate focus shifts to the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan. With Zwane unavailable, Broos will need to explore new combinations and lean on promising players to fill the creative void.

Mofokeng could step up as a playmaker, while Adams and Appollis offer attacking options. Broos’s challenge lies in balancing the squad’s youthfulness with experience, ensuring that the absence of Zwane does not derail the team’s campaign.

These matches will not only test the depth of Bafana’s squad but also provide an opportunity for future stars to prove their worth on the international stage.