Themba Zwane out of Bafana Bafana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reveals 'big blow' - 'We suffer by everybody's problems'

Themba Zwane started the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final game against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium last weekend.

However, the 36-year-old was subbed just 15 minutes later after sustaining what looked like a thigh injury, which ruled him out of the Premier Soccer League game against Magesi FC.

Zwane suffered an Achilles injury in October last year while playing for Bafana Bafana, but managed to return late in the season and even played in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

He has been a key player for the national team and Masandawana owing to his experience and versatility.

However, it seems the midfielder will miss some crucial games coming up in the next couple of weeks, as confirmed by his coach, Miguel Cardoso.

"Unfortunately, Themba will be out for maybe around two months," the Portuguese tactician told the media.

 "But he will come back stronger, I believe. We are expecting him to come [back] as quickly as possible. Since the moment he got injured, the club made everything and himself to make that time as reduced as possible.

"Let's hope that we can do it as short as possible. Look, all players when they are not 100 per cent are big blows, because we suffer from everybody's problems. 

"But he will come back again, and soon he will be on the pitch. We will rise with the others," Cardoso concluded.

Zwane will now miss the forthcoming Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, respectively.

The veteran attacker might also miss the second round of the CAF Champions League with his team.