Rhulani Mokwena hints Miguel Cardoso's Themba Zwane snub in Caf Champions League final was a mistake - 'Nine out of 10 I played Mshishi'

Mamelodi Sundowns reached the Caf Champions League final in the 2024/25 edition.

They were favourites against Pyramids FC of Egypt, owing to the quality within their squad as opposed to the Egyptian outfit.

However, after a 1-1 draw at home, they fell 2-1 away to lose the prestigious continental crown.

The majority of the fans in South Africa were not amused by the fact that Themba Zwane was not given an opportunity to play.

They felt Mshishi could have made an impact despite being 35 years old, and maybe help Masandawana to get their second star.

In his recent interview, former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena says the veteran midfielder is special, and he could have played him.

“I don’t want to talk about it because I think I have expressed my feelings about how I feel about Mshishi and everybody knows," Mokwena told Soccer Africa.

“Mshishi is special, and there’s more to just Mshishi being successful. Mshishi is a reflection of that – from the dusty streets of Tembisa to playing for Vardos, to going through difficulties, and then, I mean how many seasons as a top professional?

“But I would always take my hat off and give Mshishi big respect because he speaks to the South African child. The Neo who is in Tembisa instead of going into the corners and really being overcome by so many social ills, he gets motivated when he says ‘hey I used to watch Themba Zwane playing on the street barefooted and there he is already going to the Club World Cup, Champions League,’ he serves as an inspiration for many," he continued

“I don’t know [on playing Zwane] because the dynamics are completely different.

“I think always the team, the coach, they always try, of course, in the final you always try and put your best team, and I’m sure there are mitigating factors that maybe from within we might not be privy to.

“But you know, as a Sundowns coach, nine out of 10 times I played Mshishi," Mokwena concluded.

Sundowns are among the 32 teams that will play the Fifa Club World Cup, which will be played in the United States from June 14 to July 13.

Zwane is among the players in the team; it is interesting to see the role he will play as Cardoso aims to sanctify his name.