Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has opened up about how his former teammate Sibusiso Vilakazi supported him during his injury layoff.
‘Mshishi’, as he is affectionately known, spent the majority of the 2024/25 PSL season on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury in Bafana Bafana‘s 2025 AFCON qualifier encounter against Congo Brazzaville in October 2024.
The 35-year-old attacking midfielder returned to action on the 19th of April during Sundowns’ 0-0 draw with Al Ahly in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Zwane has made 10 appearances across all competitions for Bafana Ba Style this campaign and weighed in with one assist.
THEMBA ZWANE ON SIBUSISO VILAKAZI’S SUPPORT DURING INJURY SETBACK
Having navigated his own share of setbacks, former Sundowns forward attacker Vilakazi reached out to offer words of support to Bafana international Zwane during his injury layoff, a gesture the Tshwane giants captain fondly remembers.
“You know ‘Villa’ went through the same situation before, so he would call me to encourage me. Obviously, when he calls me, we would start talking, and he tells me that it’s not over, that these things happen, and that I must stay positive,” Zwane told SuperSport TV.
“He told me how I needed to follow the right protocols and do the recovery rehabilitation very well. I really appreciate him for that. So, going forward, I want to push myself because I want to finish my career on a high note.”
Zwane aims to continue getting some playing minutes when Masandawana face Chippa United in a league match on Wednesday, 14 May, at Buffalo City Municipality Stadium. The game will start at 19:30.
Currently, Sundowns are cruising nicely at the top of the Betway Premiership table with 67 points after 26 matches. They are 15 points ahead of the second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Interestingly, Sundowns could be crowned the Betway Premiership champions for the eighth time in a row if the Buccaneers play a draw or lose against Golden Arrows tonight [Tuesday] at Orlando Stadium.
RELATED STORY: Themba Zwane inks new contract with Sundowns