Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso provides update on Themba Zwane's injury - 'He will recover in time, not only for Fifa Club World Cup but to play before that'

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shared an update regarding the injury status of the club's captain Themba Zwane ahead of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup campaign.

Zwane, who has shown consistent excellence for the Brazilians in the past seasons, suffered an Achilles tendon injury during an Afcon qualifying match against Congo Brazzaville in October 2024.

After being sidelined for nearly five months, Zwane is close to making his return, as confirmed by Cardoso following Sundowns' significant victory over TS Galaxy on Saturday.

"For sure Themba [Zwane] will recover in time, not only for the Fifa Club World Cup but to play before that. We have expectations that he can recover together with Mothobi Mvala, Divine Lunga and Khuliso Mudau in different stages. He will come [back] much sooner than that," Cardoso said, as per SowetanLive.

"Physical recovery to play football is one thing but the other thing is to perform and that is another step. He is able to train, but the more steps he needs to take to perform. He can train with the team but is he able to play in games like this [against TS Galaxy], that is another thing. 

"We have to prepare him for that. It is not the same as Mudau who stopped playing for one month or Divine who stopped for three weeks," he added. 

"He stopped playing for months and his process will take a little bit longer but he is working hard and that is what I am demanding from all of them. They are doing their best, they are taking care of their bodies and social lives to be able to cope and recover quicker."

The return of Zwane will certainly provide Sundowns with a vital lift as they make their final effort for the Caf Champions League and Premier Soccer League titles.

The comeback of the 35-year-old will not only benefit Masandawana but also Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana, as they will continue their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign in March.

Sundowns are amongst the four African teams that will represent the continent at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in America this year. Zwane could play a crucial role in Cardoso's team, considering his international experience.

It is still uncertain when Zwane will be available for selection, as he has been training with the rest of the team in the past few weeks, but he is expected to return soon.

Sundowns are set to face Sekhukhune United on Wednesday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium before their eagerly awaited match against Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.