Miguel Cardoso to sacrifice Jayden Adams? Former Kaizer Chiefs star explains why Themba Zwane should start in do-or-die Caf Champions League clash with Al Ahly - 'He will be the brain of the Mamelodi Sundowns team'

Themba Zwane is back from injury and made his first appearance under coach Miguel Cardoso off the bench last Saturday when Mamelodi Sundowns hosted Al Ahly in a Caf Champions League semi-final, first leg at Loftus Versfeld.

The 35-year-old is in contention for a starting berth when the Brazilians meet Al Ahly in the second leg at Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye explains why he believes Zwane should start the match.

"I’d love to see 'Mshishi' play in the midfield. Currently, they are utilising (Teboho) Mokoena and (Marcelo) Allende there, but I would prefer to see Mshishi positioned in front of them," Khanye told KickOff. 

"When he came off the bench on Saturday, he didn’t show any signs of rustiness. Although he wasn't at 100%, he performed better compared to the likes of Arthur Sales. 

"For me, Mshishi should start in the second leg.  I’ve always believed that he is not effective when playing on the wing because he is more of a thinker and doesn’t possess great pace.  

“If you know football, you would recognise that Sundowns missed Mshishi," added the former Amakhosi wideman.

"This upcoming match will be intense, it's the Champions League. He will be the brain of the Sundowns team on [Friday night]." 

With Masandawana desperate for victory in Cairo, Cardoso might be tempted to turn to his experienced players who would rise in a hostile away environment.

If Zwane starts on Friday, Cardoso might have to sacrifice one player who was a regular when his captain was on the side lines.

Zwane came on for Jayden Adams last weekend and the former Stellenbosch star could be the player to make way for the Bafana Bafana vice-captain.

The Brazilians are finalising their preparations for Friday's match and are already in Cairo.

They travelled with defender Mothobi Mvala and it is to be seen if he will be handed a chance to play after spending time out injured.

Once the dust has settled in Egypt, Masandawana will turn their attention back to domestic matters as they close in on their eighth league title in a row.