Bafana Bafana star Themba Zwane has revealed the two overseas players that he draws inspiration from as he reaches the back end of his career.
Zwane made his return to the national team over the weekend, scoring a brace as Hugo Broos’ troops hammered Sierra Leone 4-0 in an international friendly clash on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
It was Zwane’s first appearance under Bafana coach Broos, who had reiterated that he will never call-up the Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker due to his age.
Zwane, at 34, is still playing his best football and he has since named Thiago Silva and Dani Alves as the players he looks up to.
The Brazilian duo aged 38 and 39 respectively encourage Zwane to keep taking his football career seriously.
WHY ZWANE LOOKS UP TO THE BRAZILIAN DUO
With that in mind, Zwane revealed that the thought of hanging his boots has never crossed his mind, despite being in 34.
He insists that he will continue to play football as long as his legs allow him to do so.
“Age is nothing, but a number. It’s about how you carry yourself. There are top players overseas that encourage us, they are old now but still playing in the highest level,” said Zwane.
“I can make an example of Thiago Silva, he 38 still playing at Chelsea and Dani Alves is still performing.
“I told myself if those guys are still pushing themselves why not? I’m still going to push myself as long as my legs allow me to go on.
“I’m just trying to be a good example to the youngsters that if you are serious about your career you can go far. I just hope each and every season, I just keep pushing myself, trying to improve my numbers.”
Zwane further revealed his wish to have every Bafana Bafana player fit and available when it’s time for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next year March.
He strongly believes that tough competition for places in the squad will improve the team’s performance.
“I just wish when the time comes [AFCON qualifiers] everyone will be fine so that the competition is tougher. Knowing for sure that when the competition is tougher it’s better for the country,” Zwane concluded.
Zwane will be aiming to replicate the performance he showcased on Saturday against Sierra Leone when they host Botswana Tuesday afternoon.
He bagged a brace leading coach Hugo Broos to single him out for praise.
