Mngqithi Provides An Update About Zwane’s Injury
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given an update about the injury of his captain Themba Zwane who will be out for more than about three months.
Zwane, 35, suffered his injury in their Bafana Bafana 1-1 draw against Congo Brazzaville in Congo last week. He was substituted by Patrick Maswanganyi before half-time break.
The Brazilians hosted the KZN-based side Lamontville Golden Arrows FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville in the Carling Knockout Last 16 on Saturday.
Zwane was not available in this game and his team managed to win 5-0 without him. Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, Mothobi Mvala, Peter Shalulile and Kutlhwano Letlhaku scored the five great winning goals for Sundowns.
Mngqithi confirmed after the game that Zwane’s operation took place on Friday, and it was successful. Mshishi will be ruled out for the rest of this year but will be back next year.
“Themba Zwane, it was a complete rapture in the Achilles,” Mngqithi said in a post-match press conference.
“The operation took place on Friday, and it was successful. We are hoping in four to six months he will be back.
“We are very optimistic because he is generally a very fit player, and he comes back quicker than normal. We know his level of professionalism is second to none, so we know that he will work very hard to get himself back as quickly as possible,” he concluded.
Zwane’s injury will give other players a chance to show what they can offer in his place. Even at Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will give someone else in the attacking midfielder position since Zwane is injured, possibly Patrick Maswanganyi who was poor in the second leg match in Congo having replaced Sundowns skipper.
Zwane, whose contract will expire at the end of the current season, has been the mainstay in the side, having featured in 439 and scored 84 goals along with 62 assists, scooping eight league titles.
Sundowns are next in action as they host by Royal AM FC at Loftus Stadium in the Betway Premiership match on Wednesday (19:30).
Article by Gabriel Hlakanyana
