Broos Chuffed At Zwane’s Return
Hugo Broos has expressed a strong belief in the return of Themba Zwane to the national team, praising his resilience, leadership, and determination as Bafana Bafana prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
The Bafana Bafana vice-captain endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious Achilles tendon injury during an AFCON qualifier against the Congo Brazzaville in October 2024, where he was replaced by Patrick Maswanganyi before halftime.
The injury raised concerns about the future of the 36-year-old midfielder, with many fearing it could mark the end of his decorated career.
Reflecting on the situation, Broos admitted he initially had similar doubts.
“I don’t have to explain to you what impact Themba had on the national team, and then suddenly there was his injury, and honestly, I thought it was the end of his career. When you have that injury at that age, there’s a big chance that your career is finished,” he said.
“But when I hear them, how hard he worked to come back, and when I hear his ambition to come back (in the national team), I talked with him, he was in the last (FIFA World Cup) qualifier game against Rwanda, I talked with him for five minutes.
“And I felt immediately how he loves to be again with the national team. I think then you don’t have to hesitate when that guy is fit, and I don’t. So, we will see now because again we have to see how fit he is and what he can bring us with the national team.
“I hope that we can have again Themba Zwane, who is really important for the team, he’s a very experienced player, you don’t hear him, but everyone has respect for him, and I see also in Mamelodi Sundowns everyone has respect for him, and sometimes it’s very important to have such a player in your team.”
Zwane made his return from injury in April 2025, but Broos opted not to recall him to the national squad immediately.
The Sundowns captain’s challenges continued when he suffered another setback at the beginning of the current campaign, though he managed to recover in time ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Despite being included in the preliminary squad, Zwane was ultimately left out of the final selection and missed the AFCON tournament. However, his perseverance and commitment have not gone unnoticed by the Bafana mentor.
Now recalled to the national setup, Zwane will be looking to make his mark as the 2023 AFCON Bronze medal winners prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana are set to face Panama in two international friendly matches, with the first scheduled for 27 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium and the second taking place four days later at DHL Stadium.
