Will Zwane Feature Against Pyramids In Cairo? Komphela Responds
Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has responded to questions on whether Themba Zwane will play a part in the return leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC on Sunday after he was excluded in the first leg.
The Downs captain was an unused substitute in the first meeting between the two sides in Pretoria last weekend, a decision that raised eyebrows amongst the Masandawana faithful as spoils were shared, leaving a lot to be desired.
In the wake of the result, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was questioned over his decision to opt against utilizing the experience of the veteran playmaker in a high-stakes match. However, the Portuguese tactician said he kept the club legend on the bench to maintain the balance of the team.
Now, with the second leg of the tie on the horizon, Komphela has shed light on whether Zwane will feature in Cairo, stating that Africa’s premium club competition is a different ball game compared to domestic competitions.
“We will work on that. We only started training, and matches differ, as we said. And it’s not the first time Mshishi [Themba Zwane] did not play, and we have been building and building and not only in this era, even previously,” said the 57-year-old mentor.
“Matches differ and Champions League is a different kind of animal, but we know the capacity he has got. We know the experience he has. We are hoping that he will come again, give us another flip like against Al Ahly, win the match last minute, and then all over the field.”
Zwane, who recently extended his stay at Chlookop to June 2026 after returning from a lengthy injury layoff, has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, with two of the games coming in the Champions League semi-final against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
It remains to be seen whether Cardoso will bank on the experience of Zwane to get the team over the line in the second leg, with the attacking midfielder having previously won the Champions League with Sundowns in 2016.
The Tshwane giants will lock horns with Pyramids FC for continental glory at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday. Cardoso’s troops will have to dig deep to walk away victorious as they conceded a crucial away goal in South Africa.
