Themba Zwane's agent recalls the challenges he faced to convince Mamelodi Sundowns to extend Mshishi's contract - 'He is like Luka Modric to them'

Themba Zwane's agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane, has revealed the challenge he experienced when he was negotiating a new contract for the Bafana Bafana star.

Uncertainty surrounded the future of the 35-year-old captain before Sundowns finally revealed they had extended his contract.

Now, the agent has revealed the challenges he faced behind the scenes as he tried to convince the Premier Soccer League heavyweights to keep Mshishi, as Zwane is famously known.

"Maybe people didn't realise the difficulty to convince the club on Themba, but finally they got the message," Mahlakgane told Soccer Laduma.

"My advice was, I think Themba is like Luka Modric to them. So they must treat him like that kind of a guy. When the chips are down, you can call on Themba," he added.

The contract extension will now see Zwane remain with the perennial PSL winners until the end of the 2025/26 season. The deal was due to expire at the end of last season, making speculation on his future go wild.

Zwane's participation in the 2024/25 season was limited after he was injured in October last year, and this is understood to have delayed the process of contract talks.

He returned to action in April, but again, he had to endure limited playtime under Miguel Cardoso. The tactician faced criticism for underutilising Mshishi, but he defended his decision against criticism every time he was pressed to explain.

Being one of the most experienced players in the Sundowns' setup, his younger teammates and equally the fans, are looking up to him for leadership in the dressing room and even on the pitch.

However, the number of games he will enjoy next season under Cardoso will be monitored, given that the club has a deep squad with options for the coach.