Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane has dismissed questions about Themba Zwane’s 2026 FIFA World Cup credentials amid fears that the Mamelodi Sundowns star could now be a spent force.
Zwane is back playing regular football after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury. However, the 36-year-old is being sparingly used by Masandawana coach Miguel Cardoso as a precautionary measure for a player who now appears injury-prone.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos has also called up Zwane to the national team for the first time since October 2024. The midfielder is part of the squad set to face Panama in back-to-back international friendly matches on March 27 and 31.
On top of Zwane’s priorities is making the squad that will travel to the World Cup. However, in the limited minutes he has been playing at Sundowns, the Tembisa-born star is yet to impose himself in games.
That has sparked concerns that the experienced midfielder could struggle to hit top form again and help decide games, should he go to the World Cup. In Zwane’s absence, Broos has been trying different players in the playmaker role with no desired results.
But now if the Sundowns captain fails to get back to his best, there are hopes Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng could step up.
‘YEYE’ CALMS DOWN WORLD CUP CONCERNS OVER THEMBA ZWANE
“I don’t think Zwane is far [from getting back to his best form]. Obviously, you will not see his best immediately. But when he is fit and given more time, he will show his qualities,” Letsholonyane told FARPost.
“In the few minutes he has been playing in each game, you can see his influence and control of the game in midfield. That’s Mshishi for you. His quality will remain even when he is trying to get to his best. His experience will count at the World Cup.
“We really need a player like him. I’m sure by the time we go to America, we will be seeing that old Zwane who can make things happen in a game. Given more time on the field, we will see his real quality. I think it’s normal that when you come back from injury, especially a long-term one, you will take a bit of time to get back to the top.
“For now, his club coach should continue using him with caution. That way we can protect him to stay in good shape and prevent injuries. We don’t want to see a situation where he is injured just before a big tournament.”
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