Doctor Khumalo backs Themba Zwane’s experience in new-look Bafana Bafana squad

Doctor Khumalo says Pitso Mosimane is right to retain Themba Zwane as one of Bafana Bafana’s captains, despite questions over the 37-year-old’s inclusion in the squad.

Zwane has been selected for Mosimane’s first squad, which will face Guinea and Eritrea in the 2027 Africa Cup Nations (AFCON) qualifiers before an international friendly against Egypt. Mosimane has named Zwane, Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine as his captains.

Khumalo, a member of South Africa’s 1996 AFCON-winning team and the squad which qualified for the 1998 World Cup, said experienced players were essential during a period of transition.

“Football is a game of opinions, and we don’t have to discard and probably say they are wrong [those that question Mshishi inclusion],” Khumalo said on The DNA Podcast.

He added that the coach was best placed to explain his selection decisions, but said his own experience had shown him the dangers of making too many changes at once.

“Based on my experience, I don’t know whether you still remember the 1996 squad that won it, and then what happened, they qualified for 98. The transition, handover was not proper. And what happened, we struggled until today.”

Khumalo believes South Africa improved during Hugo Broos’ four to five years in charge because the squad was not dismantled too quickly.

“We looked much better the past four [to] five years with Hugo [Broos]. That’s what happens when you dismantle. So slowly but surely, you need experienced players.”

He also questioned whether defender Nkosinathi Sibisi had been included, saying he understood the player had an important role to play.

“Too much of a change at once it’s going to cripple [the team]. So the going gets tough, these are youngsters, it’s international [football], it’s not local,” Khumalo said.

He stressed that younger players could struggle under the pressure of international football when results went against them, while senior figures and captains could provide direction.

“When you have experienced players, senior players, captains, guidance is there. If they want to ask questions, they are there to answer.”

Khumalo said Zwane’s value extended beyond what he could contribute on the pitch, particularly with a large group of new players entering the national team.

“The most significant one, look at the number of youngsters Pitso has called. They are entering the national team, a new look,” he said.

He also described the nerves players can experience before international matches, drawing on his own time at club level.

“It’s okay we are preparing for a game but when game-time arrives or just the knowledge that the game is the next day, you even shake during team talk. It’s even worse when you are in the starting line-up. And I’ve been through that at club level.”