Themba Zwane OUT of FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reveals disappointing update - 'We will have to protect him, let's go easy'

Despite being 36, Themba Zwane has been vital for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana regardless of the magnitude of the matches.

However, he has been struggling with injuries since late 2024 when he sustained a problem with his Achilles when representing the nation against Congo in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Despite coming back, the versatile creative attacker has been on and off, with the recent setback coming in the 3-0 win over Magesi in the Premier Soccer League, a couple of days after healing from his thigh injury.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has now updated on the issue.

“Themba Zwane has a muscle injury, grade two, which will take him out of the team for a period of a little bit more than a month, around the month,” he told the media.

“Let’s see, it depends on how he can react to the treatment that he is going to receive. But obviously, he will be a player that we will have to protect in terms of his return to training and play.

“So, let’s go easy so that we can prepare him for the future because he is still an important player for us," Cardoso concluded.

Zwane is now automatically out of the initial two preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League competition.

With Cardoso confirming the midfielder might be out potentially for four weeks, this means Bafana Bafana will not be able to rely on him in the next international break.

South Africa will play Zimbabwe away before hosting Rwanda in the final two World Cup qualifiers in Group C in early October.

Zwane will now have to be cautious with his body to avoid serious injuries in the future, which might take time to heal.

If his problems persist, the 36-year-old might even miss the 2025 AFCON, which will be played in December in Morocco.