Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane has provided an update on his injury status. Zwane spoke on Thursday at Chloorkop during the FIFA Club World Cup trophy tour.
The reigning South African champions are one of four African teams, along with Wydad Casablanca [Morocco], Al Ahly [Egypt], and Esperance [Tunisia], set to compete in the global club tournament. The next edition will be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
Zwane has been sidelined for the past three months after suffering an Achilles injury. He was stretchered off the field during the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in October 2024, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Following an evaluation, it was confirmed that the 35-year-old suffered a partial Achilles tendon rupture, requiring surgery and a recovery period of up to six months.
WHAT THEMBA ZWANE SAID ABOUT HIS RECOVERY PROGRESS
“In terms of injury, I’m coming alright; I’m starting to run on the side now,” said Zwane. “I don’t feel the pain; it’s just the Achilles. It’s tense, but I’m coming, alright. So far so good.”
He admitted it had been a difficult period “especially when you hear people saying, ‘it’s over for him’.” However, Zwane revealed that his family had been supportive.
“Overall, I know myself. I’m strong, and I will come back strong. I will push myself and try to come back to the team.”
Having participated in the FIFA Club World Cup back in 2016, Zwane believes the “level is high there”.
“We’ve seen it when we went there, the ball moves quicker, they close spaces quicker. I think it was an opportunity for us to learn and come back with those skills that we learnt. Even now, it’s an opportunity for us to go there, learn and compete with the big boys.”
The Bafana Bafana midfielder said he was pushing himself “to go there and try to help my team”. “I push myself and do extras,” he added.
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