Themba Zwane opens up on new role at Mamelodi Sundowns

With the African Football League final on the horizon, Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane has spoken about his new role in the team’s set-up.

Sundowns are set to lock horns with Moroccan powerhouses, Wydad Casablanca in the African Football League [AFL] final second-leg fixture. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday (15:00).

The Tshwane giants lost the first leg in Morocco last week 2-1, where Zwane was deployed as a false nine. He had also played in the new position in the previous AFL matches, despite him naturally playing as a 10 for the DStv Premiership champions.

This tactical change was applied due to the unavailability of Sundowns’ natural strikers, Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Shalulile is out with an ankle injury, while Costa picked up a knee injury.

The two players do not know the test of the inaugural tournament; AFL as they missed all the previous five games, against Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly, as well as the first leg of the final.

THEMBA ZWANE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO PLAY AS A STRIKER

As a result, the Bafana Bafana playmaker, Zwane had to sacrifice for the team in the absence of the two target men and play as a striker.

The Mamelodi Sundowns captain, Zwane, has admitted that playing as a striker has not been an easy task. However, he also said that he knows what is required of him by the coaching staff.

“It has been difficult [playing as a striker]. But I need to respect the coach’s decision and try to help the team. That’s my duty,” said Zwane.

“And with the help of the other players, I try to push myself. The guys have been supporting me. So, it’s all about the team.”

WHAT ZWANE EXPECTS FROM THE GAME AGAINST WYDAD

The Sundowns talisman stated that the game will be a difficult one but they are raring to go, insisting that they will put in a good performance for their fans at home.

“Definitely, it’s going to be a tough game. It will be a tough game because the two good teams are playing each other,” added Zwane.

“But, we are looking forward to the game as players. We know what to expect, and we know what to do in front of our supporters. With supporters, we will play beautiful football and try to win the game.”

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Story by Clifton Mabasa