Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed when the club’s captain, Themba Zwane, can be expected back on the pitch.
‘Mshishi’ has been on the sidelines since October last year due to a long-term Achilles injury that required surgery.
He sustained the injury while on international duty with Bafana Bafana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
Zwane recently resumed training with the team in Chloorkop, as he looks to get back soon.
However, while unable to specify the exact return time, Cardoso anticipates Zwane will be available to play before the end of the 2024/25 season, way before the FIFA Club World Cup in June in the USA.
WILL THEMBA ZWANE PLAY BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS?
“For sure, Themba will recover in time, not only for the World Cup but also to play before [the season ends],” said Cardoso following Sundowns’ 4-1 Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
“So, we have an expectation that he can recover with Mothobi [Mvala], Divine [Lunga] and [Khuliso] Mudau in different steps, but he will come back much sooner than that [in June].
“Let’s hope…because there’s one thing about physical recovery to play football but another thing is recover to perform, that’s another step. One thing is he’s able to train but until he’s able to perform, that’s another way or more steps to do. We should also understand that.
“It’s not the same as Mudau, who’s out for one month, or Divine, who’s out for three weeks. For Themba, it’s been months, so the process will take longer.
“But he’s working very well; that’s what I’m demanding from them. Let’s hope that he can play before the World Cup.”
Zwane last donned Sundowns’ colours during their 2-1 triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in a league match at the FNB Stadium in September, 2024.
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