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Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage
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Miguel Cardoso reveals, 'Yes, Themba Zwane can be ready for AFCON' after Mamelodi Sundowns star was ruled out of Bafana Bafana World Cup qualifiers

The attacking midfielder is currently recuperating from a recent injury that has already ruled him out of upcoming Bafana games. Although Cardoso is confident of Zwane's quick recovery, he has called for patience and said the club is cautious about his situation.

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Cardoso discusses Zwane's recovery

    In what could be a massive boost for Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed Themba Zwane could be ready for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

    The experienced midfielder is currently unavailable for the defending Premier Soccer League champions due to an injury sustained recently.

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    AFCON hopes

    “I think, yes, he can [recover fully before AFCON]. But let’s have some patience with him; we’re seeing development much more than we expected," Cardoso told the media.

    "So, that was not a big thing, let’s say. Even for a boy of his age, he is recovering very well. So, we have beautiful expectations regarding him," he added.

    “Of course, we’re going to be cautious; we need to be cautious, not thinking about the national team but thinking about us and about him as well."

    “We will do it with precaution in order to not damage him again. We did it also last time, but if we were cautious, now we have to be extra cautious because he deserves it, and most of all, we need him.”

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    Zwane's fight against injuries

    The 36-year-old Downs captain has been fighting recurrent injuries that have at times ruled him out of crucial club and international games.

    In late 2024, he suffered an Achilles injury during an international engagement as Bafana played against Congo in an AFCON qualifier. Since then, he has been on and off, making him not available, especially when his experience is most needed.

    The recent problem that is sidelining him now is an injury suffered during a league game against Magesi FC.

    This injury has ruled him out of South Africa's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in October.

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    Bafana's AFCON duties

    Although Zwane will not be available for Hugo Broos during the World Cup qualifiers, Cardoso believes the attacking midfielder will be fully recovered for the next AFCON finals.

    South Africa are in Group B with Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with the finals set to start in late December and end in January 2026.

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