Mamelodi Sundowns legend makes bold Themba Zwane claim - 'There is no soccer player who is irreplaceable'

Themba Zwane injured his Achilles tendon while on duty with Bafana Bafana against Congo-Brazzaville on Tuesday.

Sundowns are yet to confirm the gravity of their captain's injury, sparking concerns he could be grounded for a longer period.

That has also raised fears Masandawana could struggle in his absence but club legend Roger Feutmba says Zwane is not bigger than the Brazilians and there should be a way to replace him.

"Themba Zwane needs to be managed well, taking into consideration that he is getting to 35 years old,” Feutmba told KickOff.

"Him coming from a bench at Sundowns I don't see a problem with that. He is a quality player who has contributed to South African football at large. He has inspired many kids around the country.

"But an individual can't be bigger than a football club, football is a collective game. Finding yourself on the bench doesn't mean you are not doing well.

"There is no soccer player, no matter how good he is, who is irreplaceable. Remember, Zwane won't play soccer forever," he added.

"At some point, Zwane won't be there, but Sundowns will continue playing football.

"Let’s say he is injured, Sundowns will continue playing. Sundowns can't rely on a single player, everybody has been contributing. 

"Sundowns can still play without anybody. One day Themba Zwane is gonna retire. You can’t build a team that is at the level of Sundowns with only one player, it's not possible," he continued.

"With or without Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns will continue playing. That doesn't mean he is not important; he is very important to Sundowns."

It remains to be seen how the Brazilians will fare in the absence of Zwane, especially in the event they start their Caf Champions League group stage campaign without him.

Also, the Masandawana faithful is waiting to know how long the club captain will be out injured.

A local sports physician Dr Ntlopi Mogoru has estimated that Zwane could be out for up to six months if he raptured his tendons.

Apart from getting back to full fitness, another priority for the Masandawana captain would be returning to the top of his game.

He has been playing the kind of football that has made him key for both club and country.