Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has spoken about the potential consequences of Themba Zwane remaining a benchwarmer at Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘Mshishi’ came on from the bench in the last two games that ‘Bafana Ba Style’ have played in the 2024/25 season.
For a long time, he has been a key figure for the Tshwane-based side, significantly contributing to their achievements over the past decade.
Additionally, he has played a crucial role in the Bafana team under Broos, helping them attain a third-place finish at the AFCON tournament earlier this year.
He is part of the squad that will face off against Uganda and South Sudan in the AFCON qualifiers next month.
Broos attributed Zwane’s reduced playing time to tactical decisions made by Manqoba Mngqithi, who took over as head coach following Rulani Mokwena’s departure.
He indicated that if the attacking midfielder, now 35 years old, is afforded limited playing time, it may lead to a decline in his performances.
He conveyed his hopes that Mngqithi fields Zwane more regularly just like he was during Mokwena’s tenure.
HUGO BROOS ON THEMBA ZWANE’S LACK OF GAME TIME AT SUNDOWNS
“For the moment, I don’t understand why he’s not playing,” said Broos.
“Is he suddenly being old? I don’t know, I’m not there, I don’t see him in training but I think it’s more tactically [the reason] why he’s not playing.
“Okay, that’s the choice of the coach and I have to respect it. But I don’t think that will be a problem for now.
“But if that goes on, it can become a problem, certainly [because] a player like him, he has to play.
“When a player like at that age is always at the bench and coming in for 20 minutes…
“I hope the new coach changes his mind a little bit and I see more of Themba at Sundowns than what I saw now.”
