Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso has poured cold water on any hopes of a rushed comeback for club captain Themba “Mshishi” Zwane, insisting the veteran midfielder’s recovery will be managed with “respect, patience, and precision.”
Zwane has been sidelined since mid-September with an ankle injury — his second setback in quick succession — leaving both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana fans sweating over his availability for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Now 36, Zwane has begun light training on his own, but Cardoso made it clear: the club won’t gamble with one of its most influential players.
“If you ask for my wish, of course, I want Themba at AFCON,” said Cardoso. “But health comes first. He’s not a youngster anymore, and we have to handle this process with care. We’ll only bring him back when he’s fully ready to compete.”
The Portuguese coach, known for his detail-driven methods, revealed that Sundowns’ medical, performance, and technical departments are working closely together to ensure Zwane’s return doesn’t trigger another relapse.
“He’s doing individual work — that’s progress — but he’s still not ready for full team sessions,” Cardoso explained. “We’re walking the fine line between patience and preparation. We want him to play this season, for Sundowns and possibly Bafana, but we won’t take shortcuts.”
For Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Zwane’s fitness is a major talking point. The playmaker remains one of South Africa’s few proven creative sparks on the continental stage, and his leadership could prove vital if the national team hopes to make a mark at AFCON 2025.
Still, for now, Sundowns are taking no chances.
“He’s been through back-to-back injuries,” Cardoso added. “We’ll push to the limit, but not over it. Themba deserves the best possible recovery, and that’s exactly what we’ll give him.”
Player Profile Snapshot – Themba “Mshishi” Zwane
| Age | Position | Hometown | Playing Style | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Attacking Midfielder / Winger | Tembisa, South Africa | Elegant playmaker with composure, vision, and close control | Recovering from ankle injury (return TBD) |
Possible AFCON Impact
If fit, Zwane could be pivotal for Bafana Bafana, linking midfield and attack with his trademark intelligence and calm under pressure. But for now, all eyes are on his steady recovery — one cautious step at a time.