Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane celebrates scoring Mamelodi Sundowns second goal during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 05 August 2022 Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns skipper focused on club not country

Sundowns skipper Themba Zwane opened his 2022/23 campaign with a goal in Sundowns 2-0 win over Cape Town City.

Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane celebrates scoring Mamelodi Sundowns second goal during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 05 August 2022 Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane is eager to focus on his club football and improving his ‘numbers’.

Zwane suffered an injury that blighted the second half of last season and hasn’t been able to convince Hugo Broos of his form and fitness.

The Sundowns skipper has missed out on several Hugo Broos squads.

Zwane opened his 2022/23 campaign with a goal in Sundowns 2-0 win over Cape Town City.

Themba Zwane to give his all for Sundowns

Sundowns
Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates with Themba Zwane. Photo: BackpagePix

Zwane insists he is happy at Mamelodi Sundowns and wants to give his all to bring the club more success.

“Obviously, as a player I’m happy. This is a special moment for us as a team, as a family. Masandawana, we want to always dominate and win trophies, even next season we want to dominate,” Zwane said

“Honestly, I did well, but I know I can still improve my numbers, because my numbers were very low and I’m looking forward to improving them for next season.”  

Zwane hopes that his legacy will be that of a player who worked hard for his team at every juncture.

“I want to be remembered as a player who was consistent, disciplined and worked hard for his team. A player who was a good example to youngsters. It is all about being consistent and to keep working hard.”  

Hugo Broos not impressed

Broos hasn’t minced his words in explaining why he doesn’t select Zwane or teammate Andile Jali.

“I said it from the beginning, and I’ve said it now, and I’ll say it in two years when I’m still here. I am very sorry, but I don’t see why I should select Jali or Zwane.

“Please do not misunderstand me. Last year when I selected my first squad, everyone was asking me, ‘why didn’t you select Njabulo Ngcobo? He is the best defender?’ Now, look what happened to him at Kaizer Chiefs; he does not play.

“There is also a difference when you play that kind of games and when you play for Bafana Bafana. There you will be confronting players who are playing in Europe. The players in Europe are playing at a different standard in the championship (DStv Premiership).

“You can’t do everything. In my selection (process), there are not many players who play in European championships, but that is, for the moment, something that is not good for South African football. We do not have enough players there [in Europe].

“All the teams that we play have players in Europe; look at Morocco.”