Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the future of one of their most influential players, with the announcement that veteran midfielder Themba Zwane has signed a new contract with the club.
The new deal sees Zwane extend his stay at Sundowns beyond the 2024/25 season, as revealed by the club in a social media post on Friday.
This development follows a FARPost report of a pause in negotiations, believed to be linked to Sundowns’ focus on the midfielder’s complete recovery from an Achilles injury sustained in October.
And as previously reported by this publication, Sundowns initially prioritised Zwane’s full recovery and demonstration of his peak performance levels before proceeding with contract negotiations.
The cautious approach aimed to ensure the Bafana Bafana international could continue to make a significant contribution to the Sundowns team, as he is not getting any younger.
Following the 35-year-old’s recent return to training and appearances in friendly matches, where he demonstrated his fitness, Sundowns have now moved forward to secure his future with a new contract.
Zwane had been sidelined for the past five months after undergoing surgery for the injury, which he picked up while on international duty with Bafana Bafana during the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
THEMBA ZWANE SIGNS NEW DEAL AT SUNDOWNS
“Mshishi is here to stay. Captain Themba Zwane has penned a contract extension, keeping him at the Club beyond the 2024/25 season,” said Sundowns in a brief statement. His previous deal was set to expire in June.
Although Zwane has made a full recovery, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has indicated a cautious approach regarding his immediate return to high-intensity matches such as the Al Ahly clash on Saturday [15:00].
Sundowns will welcome the Egyptian giants in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Having featured in just five matches across all competitions this season, registering an assist, Zwane’s chances of playing against Al Ahly appear slim, considering coach Cardoso’s remarks. But the midfielder’s past contributions speak volumes.
The playmaker has been a cornerstone of Sundowns’ remarkable success; vital in their unprecedented streak of seven consecutive league titles and their Champions League triumph.
Over his illustrious career with the club, Zwane has amassed an impressive record of 80 goals and 60 assists in over 400 appearances, earning numerous individual accolades, including the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season award.
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