Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why it was important for the club to offer Themba Zwane a short term contract.
The Bafana Bafana star signed a one-year contract renewal at Sundowns ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership, ending speculations around his future.
Zwane signed with the Brazilians in 2011 from amateur side Vardos FC and he has been a big part of the club’s attacking options.
The Tembisa-born midfielder has played over 400 matches in Sundowns colours, scoring 80 goals and providing 59 assists. The skilful attacker also won a handful of trophies with the Tshwane giants, including the prestigious CAF Champions League silverware in 2016.
In his individual achievements, Zwane was named the PSL Footballer of the Season during the 2019/20 campaign. The 35-year-old also won the Player’s Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season accolades.
Meanwhile, Zwane has been a key member of the Bafana squad under the guidance of head coach Hugo Broos. The utility player formed a big part of the Bafana squad that clinched the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
MNGQITHI ON THEMBA ZWANE’S NEW CONTRACT AT SUNDOWNS
With Zwane heading towards the end of his career, Mngqithi has revealed that it’s important to offer the midfielder a short-term deal to keep him on his ‘toes’.
“I think it’s the right thing to do [offering Themba Zwane a one-year contract], and everyone is free to make their own opinions because, for players at that age, it’s important to keep them on their toes,” Mngqithi said.
“I don’t think it necessarily means he’ll be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it’s important that he knows that he has to fight for the next contract.
“And I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing that we can do for our football because most of these senior players want to get a four-year contract because they know that they are looking for retirement and we want them to perform every week.
“I think it is the right thing, and I think ‘Mshishi’ is the right player for that because he’s a very professional boy. He’ll work very hard, and he has to give it his best shot, and I’m very confident he will do very well.”
Zwane came in as a second-half substitute when Sundowns defeated Polokwane City FC 1-0 in extra-time of the MTN8 quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
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