Zwane Chases African Football Immortality
As Mamelodi Sundowns hunt their second CAF Champions League crown, iconic captain Themba Zwane stands on the precipice of absolute footballing immortality.
Chasing the Ultimate South African Record
The Brazilians secured their maiden continental crown a decade ago. Zwane, then a rising 26-year-old playmaker, was just beginning to cement his reputation as Chloorkop’s favorite son.
In 2016, Sundowns defeated Egypt’s Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate, with Zwane starting the first-leg 3-0 demolition in Atteridgeville
A decade later, the creative midfielder captains the side, poised to achieve a feat no domestic-based player has ever accomplished.
A victory over AS FAR this Sunday will crown Zwane as the first South African playing in the domestic league to win the CAF Champions League twice.
While his former teammate Percy Tau captured multiple continental medals, those subsequent triumphs came after his high-profile move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
How is Themba Zwane Following in the Footsteps of Jerry Skhosana?
Beyond national records, Zwane is chasing history for his hometown of Tembisa, a township steeped in rich football heritage and legendary figures.
Chief among those icons is Jerry “Legs of Thunder” Skhosana, the lethal striker who netted the famous winning goal for Orlando Pirates against ASEC Mimosas in 1995 to make the Buccaneers the first South African champions.
For many youngsters growing up in Tembisa, matching or eclipsing Skhosana’s legendary status seemed impossible. Zwane, however, dared to dream differently.
Fulfilling a Promise to Tembisa
“I made a promise to my family that I will win the CAF Champions League. In my community, where I come from (Tembisa), there is someone who won the Champions League first (Jerry Skhosana with Orlando Pirates),” Zwane said on CAFonline.
“All these years, I have been having conversations with my father that I will win two Champions League trophies, or more. This is the opportunity to fulfil the promise to my family and to my father. I must make use of this opportunity,” the 36-year-old told CAFOnline.
What is Mamelodi Sundowns’ Advantage Heading into the Second Leg?
Only Moroccan giants AS FAR stand between the 36-year-old veteran and legendary status. The North Africans trail Sundowns 1-0 on aggregate following Aubrey Modiba’s crucial first-leg strike in Pretoria last week.
However, FAR are exceptionally formidable at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, having scored an average of two goals per game during this continental campaign, highlighting the true scale of the defensive task awaiting Sundowns.
The high-stakes second-leg battle kicks off this Sunday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah at 21:00 SAST.
