Mamelodi Sundowns Legends Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango Tell Miguel Cardoso to Ignore Their Past When Picking the Team

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says club veterans Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango approached him before the season to reassure him that he should make selection decisions without being influenced by their status or history at the club.

Zwane, 35, and goalkeeper Onyango, 40, are among Sundowns’ most experienced players. Their roles have come under scrutiny as the South African champions compete on several fronts, but Cardoso says their value extends well beyond the number of minutes they play.

“Themba is a very important player for us, he’s important by what he can still do on any pitch, remember the MTN8 match, he entered, picked the ball from the back, made two or three combinations, progressed the ball with other players, combining and giving an assist for the goal,” Cardoso said.

“So never, Miguel, as a coach, having a Themba in the squad, will look at him just as a number, yes like all the others, but not as a player who cannot play. Come on, age is not that, he’s much more important than that, in the example of his silent leadership.

“In his example of how he commits, what he does on a regular basis, he trains wonderfully everyday.”

Cardoso said he had spoken to Zwane about his playing time, but the midfielder’s approach showed the character he brings to the Sundowns dressing room.

“Of course I had a talk to him [about game-time], but he’s so big as a human being it was not me calling him,” the Portuguese coach explained.

“It was him coming to me, not only him, him and Denis [Onyango], they both came to me two weeks ago before the first match of the MTN8 and they said, ‘coach we just want you to feel in peace regarding ourselves’.”

The two players made it clear that Cardoso should feel free to leave them out when necessary, regardless of their achievements and seniority.

“‘We want you to feel 100% free to make your choice without worrying about our past’ and I just told them, ‘look guys, I’m just more certain about the level of human beings you are’, because it’s important to have that understanding from their side, obviously,” he added.

Cardoso believes the conversation reflects the strength of Sundowns’ squad and gives him freedom to select players according to current performances rather than reputation.

Zwane has already shown that he can influence matches when introduced, while Onyango’s experience continues to provide an important presence during a demanding campaign.

For Cardoso, the pair’s contribution is not limited to starting games. Their leadership, professionalism and willingness to support the coach’s decisions remain central to their importance at Sundowns.