Themba Zwane will go down as one of the greats of South African football when he retires, but he is still going strong, writes Dylan Appolis.
Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane continues to showcase his scintillating talent for club and country, proving age is nothing but a number.
While many players aged 35 or older struggle to reach the same heights they experienced throughout their career, Zwane appears to be in his prime and playing some of his best football.
‘Mshishi’ has played a crucial role at the club and has been in tip-top shape, despite not creating or scoring goals on a consistent basis for the Brazilians during the 2023–24 season.
Zwane is one of the most successful players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and has had much success throughout his career, winning 16 trophies, including eight league titles, two Telkom Knockout Cup trophies, three Nedbank Cup titles, the MNT8 trophy, the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup trophies, as well as the inaugural African Football League.
“You can’t replace him. One of the greats of South African football, who happens to be a family member, always says to me, ‘your biggest mistake is to put Themba Zwane on the bench’,” Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, the nephew of Jomo Sono, says.
“He is a generational talent and he is a good person. Zwane comes running off the pitch: he is not dragging his feet and that, for me, is an indication of how great he is.
“Mshishi does not know how good he is. It will be another 10 to 15 years until you find someone who will play like and maybe surpass him. I am not going to attempt to replace Mshishi because it is impossible.”
The dribbling wizard was one of the best players in the PSL, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos overlooked him when he took over in May 2021, despite the calibre, experience, and accolades to support his selection.
The Belgian tactician prioritised younger players over the experienced stars, but Zwane’s quality could not be denied, and he returned to the Bafana squad in September 2022.
The Tembisa-born playmaker grabbed the chance with both hands when he inspired SA to a 4–0 win over Sierra Leone in an international friendly. He has not looked back since, helping the national team through the African qualification to make it to the World Cup Group Stage qualifiers, as well as playing a starring role in helping South Africa claim the bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Bafana coach has openly admitted he made a mistake by omitting Zwane, saying he was the “missing link” within the squad.
“It is amazing for someone of his age and he has become an important player for us,” Broos said.
“You don’t have to tell him so much. I certainly don’t tell him much; I just ask him to go out there and play football.
“He knows where he has to be, what he has to do when he is on the pitch. He feels it because he is technically good; he is a good player, he can give the pass and he can score.”
Broos will hope the “irreplaceable” Zwane can maintain his form for another two years with the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in sight, despite time being against him.
Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
