No Mshishi No Problem For Mamelodi Sundowns! Midfielder identified as the right man to fill Bafana Bafana star's big shoes - 'He is a perfect replacement for Themba Zwane'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Koketso Mmotong believes Sphelele Mkhulise has what it takes to fill the void left by an injured Themba Zwane. 

Mshishi, as the 35-year-old midfielder is nicknamed, suffered an injury during the Bafana Bafana match against Congo-Brazzaville earlier this month. 

With Zwane still unavailable, Mmotong regards Mkhulise as a 'perfect' replacement for the veteran midfielder in Manqoba Mngqithi's team.

"With Themba Zwane out with an injury, this is Sphelele Mkhulise's chance to get game time. Game time can put him on the same level as Mshishi. Mkhulise is a perfect replacement for Mshishi," Mmotong told KickOff.

"In terms of his play, Mkhulise doesn't lose balls, and he is level-headed. He is the best player to replace Mshishi.

"He is underrated because Sundowns are not giving him enough game time. But every chance he gets he makes a difference. He either scores or creates. So, for me, he deserves to play regularly."

Mkhulise was promoted to the Sundowns senior team in 2018 - having been with the Pretoria-based giants since 2012. 

However, at some point, he was loaned out to Black Leopards and Richards Bay during Pitso Mosimane's tenure at the club. 

Pitso, as the 28-year-old star is affectionately known, has played seven matches and scored three goals in all competitions this season so far.

The attacking midfielder played 45 minutes when Downs suffered their first league loss of the season against Polokwane City on Sunday.

Mkhulise has been stepping up whenever given a chance in the absence of Zwane and he will be hoping to continue proving his worth to the Sundowns technical team. 

On the other hand, Mngqithi revealed that Zwane will be out of action for at least four months, which means he will return early in 2025. 

Downs still have 11 matches across all competitions until the end of the year which includes the Carling Knockout quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs and Caf Champions League games.