Mamelodi Sundowns provide injury update on Bafana Bafana star Themba Zwane ahead of Bafana Bafana's crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update regarding club captain Themba Zwane's injury.

The experienced attacking midfielder sustained his injury during a Bafana Bafana match against Congo Brazzaville in Congo in October last year.

Cardoso, who joined the Brazilians just over a month ago - replacing Mangqoba Mngqithi, has pointed out that Zwane is unlikely to make a return to action soon, but he emphasized that he is recovering well.

"Themba is obviously not an important player for Sundowns only, but for South African football (national team). However, there is no pressure on his recovery at all,” Cardoso told reporters.

"He still has a lot of time to go. It’s a very bad injury and very severe. In this situation, we cannot put any pressure on him because it can make things worse.

“But he is recovering very well according to the programme, but there is still time to go.”

Zwane's absence has not only impacted Sundowns but also Hugo Broos' team, as he is an essential player for the national team.

The 35-year-old significantly contributed to helping Bafana Bafana secure qualification for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Zwane's unavailability could create complications regarding his future with the Tshwane giants, considering he is not currently playing and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Zwane could return to the field in March, based on the update given by former Sundowns coach Mngqithi when the injury occurred.

He could potentially miss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.