Zwane’s limited role raises fresh doubts over Sundowns future

Themba Zwane’s place at Mamelodi Sundowns is under renewed scrutiny after the veteran midfielder’s dramatic decline in playing time this season.

The 37-year-old’s future at Chloorkop had already become a major talking point towards the end of the 2025/26 season. Sundowns president Tlhopie Motsepe suggested at the time that the club could offer Zwane a position within its structures if he was not given a new playing contract.

Following Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph, however, the club chose to extend the midfielder’s playing career. Zwane, known as ‘Mshishi’, is understood to have signed a one-season deal.

That agreement has so far brought limited opportunities. After making 23 appearances for the Brazilians last season, the Tembisa-born player has featured only seven times in all competitions during the current campaign, playing a total of 114 minutes.

His reduced involvement has also cost him his place in the Bafana Bafana squad. Head coach Pitso Mosimane had previously acknowledged how difficult it was to leave one of his most trusted players out of the national team.

Squad changes could threaten Zwane’s position

Sundowns could make significant changes to their squad during the January transfer window and the following winter recruitment period, with younger players potentially brought into the team.

The club’s campaign has been made more difficult by their elimination in the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League and a 3-1 defeat by USM Alger. Those developments could increase the pressure for a squad refresh and make it harder for Zwane to secure another playing contract.

If that happens, the midfielder could end his distinguished career at Sundowns rather than look for an opportunity at another club.

Motsepe has previously said that Chloorkop would remain open to Zwane if he chose to retire from playing and take up a non-playing role.

Mosimane has also said he has relied on Zwane as a consultant since returning to the national team, underlining the knowledge and experience the midfielder offers away from the pitch.

A decorated career

Zwane has built an outstanding record at Sundowns. His honours include nine Premiership titles, two CAF Champions League trophies, two Carling Knockout successes, two MTN8 titles, one Nedbank Cup, the African Football League and two FIFA Club World Cup tournaments.

For South Africa, he has won 56 caps and appeared at three AFCON tournaments and one FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder has scored 12 international goals, placing him among Bafana’s top 10 all-time leading scorers.