Mashego advocates for Themba Zwane’s contract extension at Sundowns
Despite Themba Zwane’s age and a lengthy injury layoff this season, former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mashego has explained why the club should extend the highly-rated midfielder’s contract.
Zwane has been with Sundowns since 2011, joining from amateur club Vardos FC. Over the years, he has grown to become one of the best players in SA and at Sundowns, making significant contributions to the Tshwane giants’ success both on the domestic scenes and on the continent.
The Brazilians have enjoyed remarkable success in the SA top flight, winning seven consecutive Premiership titles, one MTN8, one Nedbank Cup, and two Telkom Knockout Cups. On the African stage, they secured one CAF Champions League title, one CAF Super Cup, and the inaugural African Football League [AFL], with Zwane playing a key role in these achievements.
The 35-year-old midfielder, affectionately known as ‘Mshishi,’ has made 411 appearances for the club, scoring 80 goals and providing 60 assists. His individual accolades include PSL Footballer of the Season, Premiership Player’s Player of the Season, and Midfielder of the Season.
On the international stage, Zwane is a key player for SA, having earned over 50 caps for Bafana Bafana. He played a pivotal role in helping the national team qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and was also one of the shining stars as Hugo Broos’ troops won a bronze medal finish in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
However, Zwane sustained a partial Achilles Tendon rupture while on national duty with Bafana against Congo Brazzaville during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in October 2024. This injury will sideline him for approximately six months, with his anticipated return around April 2025, just as the league approaches its final stages.
THEMBA ZWANE CONTRACT: KATLEGO MASHEGO URGES MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TO RENEW
At 35, age may not be on Zwane’s side, but former striker Mashego believes that Zwane is a valuable asset for the club, ageing like fine wine. Therefore, he thinks it would be beneficial to give Zwane a contract extension.
The Bafana Bafana playmaker’s contract at Sundowns expires in June 2025, as he penned a one-year extension before the start of the current campaign.
“We all know what he has done for the club, and there’s still more that he can do. The club needs to think carefully about ‘Mshishi’,” Mashego told FARPost.
“But we should be aware that he’s not getting any younger. That’s what they should consider, but he’s a great asset for the club. But it shouldn’t be a tough decision for Sundowns to give him that extension; he deserves it.
“He has been at the club for too long, through good and tough times. I think those are the types of elements that should be put into consideration when the two parties are negotiating a new deal,” added Mashego.
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