‘Age is not simply like that’ – Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso delivers strong Themba Zwane defence

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reaffirmed the importance of veteran midfielder Themba “Mshishi” Zwane, insisting the 37-year-old remains a key figure in the Brazilians’ squad despite his limited playing time this season.

Zwane has featured for only 19 minutes across Sundowns’ opening three matches of the campaign after signing a new one-year contract with the club three months ago.

The veteran playmaker has also had to manage fitness concerns, but Cardoso says his value to the team extends well beyond the number of minutes he spends on the pitch.

“Themba is a very important player for us. He is still an important player by what he can do on any pitch,” Cardoso said.

The coach pointed to Zwane’s recent cameo in Sundowns’ MTN8 clash against Polokwane City as evidence of the midfielder’s continued influence.

Zwane came off the bench during the final 19 minutes of the 3-2 extra-time victory and immediately helped Sundowns improve their attacking play.

“He entered [in the last 19 minutes of the game], he picked the ball in the back, he made two or three combinations, and he progressed the ball together with other players. That combination created an assist for the goal.”

‘Age is not simply like that’

Cardoso also dismissed the suggestion that Zwane’s age should determine his role, stressing that the midfielder’s experience, professionalism and leadership remain invaluable to the squad.

“So … having Themba in the squad, we look at him just as a number. Not, well, as a number like the others, but as a player that you cannot think about. Age is not that; age is not simply like that,” he said.

The Portuguese coach was particularly impressed by Zwane’s influence away from the spotlight, describing him as an example for the rest of the squad through his commitment at training.

“But he is much more important than that. Exactly by the example of his silent leadership. For example, by the way he commits, by the way of everything he does on a regular basis because he trains wonderfully every day.”

Cardoso revealed that he has spoken privately with Zwane, but suggested the midfielder’s maturity made the conversation straightforward.

“Of course, I had a talk with him, but he is so big as a human being that it was not me calling him; it was him coming to me.”

Zwane’s numbers speak for themselves

Zwane has established himself as one of Sundowns’ most decorated and influential players, making 446 appearances for the club, while contributing 80 goals and 62 assists.

Whether he adds to those numbers will become clearer when Sundowns host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30pm.