Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes experienced midfielder Themba Zwane could return to action before the FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
The 35-year-old suffered a partial Achilles tendon tear while on international duty with Bafana Bafana in October. Since then, he has played only 229 minutes for Sundowns this season.
However, the club captain has been spotted back in training recently, raising hopes of an imminent return.
Giving update on Zwane, the coach said, “For sure, Themba will recover in time, not only for the World Cup but to play before.”
“Physical recovery is one thing, but recovering to perform at the highest level is another. Just because he can train with the team doesn’t mean he’s ready for competitive matches.”
Zwane has been sidelined for four months, so his reintegration will take longer than players like Khuliso Mudau (one month out) or Divine Lunga (three weeks out).
“He is working very well. Expectations are good, and we hope to speed up the process so he can play before the World Cup.”
The South African giants is among the few African clubs set to represent the continent at the revised Club World Cup to be held in the USA in June-July.
Drawn in Group F, Sundowns will clash with Brazilian giants Fluminense, German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, and Korean side Ulsan Hyundai.
