Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hinted at a potential successor for midfielder Themba Zwane in the national team.
The recall of the Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Zwane to the Bafana Bafana squad has solidified his role as a key player for the national team, following a previous omission due to age concerns. Zwane is 34 years old.
During the 2023 AFCON finals held in Ivory Coast, Zwane contributed significantly to Bafana Bafana’s performance as they won the bronze medal. In his seven appearances in the tournament, he scored two goals and provided one assist.
The Belgian mentor says Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi can be Zwane’s successor at Bafana.
BROOS SAYS PATRICK MASWANGANYI CAN BE THEMBA ZWANE FUTURE REPLACEMENT
Maswanganyi has been in good form in his Pirates debut season. However he’s been constantly overlooked by Broos.
The 25-year-old finally earned a call-up on Tuesday, 11 March, for Bafana’s friendly matches against Andorra and Algeria later this month.
“[Patrick Maswanganyi] so what I saw from him and I think he can be the one for the future [to replace Themba Zwane]” said Hugo Broos.
“I saw him playing on Wednesday [against Cape Town Spurs], and after the game, we talked with Helman [Mkhalele]. But then I saw him playing on Saturday [against Kaizer Chiefs], and he played a very good game.
“This is what I want to see from him in Bafana Bafana, so when he can achieve that level also with us, he can be someone for the future. He can be someone who can replace Themba [Zwane] in the future.
“I don’t think about to replace Themba now. But we have to think: Themba is nearly 35, so he will be 36 or 37 in 2026. When you’re at that age, it can happen [retirement], and then we have to be ready.
“So let’s hope that he’s [Patrick Maswanganyi] the one and that we solved that problem already for the near future.”
RELATED STORY: Broos sees Chiefs midfielder as potential Themba Zwane successor
