Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes captain Themba Zwane still has time to recover fully for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals later this year, but insists the club will need to be extremely cautious with his return.

Zwane, a key figure for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, has endured a difficult year with recurring injuries. The 36-year-old first suffered an ACL injury during last October’s AFCON qualifier against Congo. He fought his way back to fitness in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, only to pick up another setback in the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates in August.

The veteran midfielder then missed Bafana’s two recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where South Africa defeated Lesotho and drew with Nigeria.

Just when he appeared close to full recovery, Zwane lasted only 27 minutes in Sundowns’ 3-0 win over Magesi earlier this month, leaving the field in tears with what Cardoso later confirmed was a different injury.

Zwane has since missed Sundowns’ last four matches, with the Brazilians winning two, drawing one, and losing one.

Cardoso, however, remains optimistic: “I think, yes, he can [recover before AFCON],” said Cardoso.
“But let’s have patience with him. We’re seeing development much more than we expected. Even for a boy of his age, he is recovering very well. We have beautiful expectations regarding him.”

The Portuguese tactician emphasized that the club’s priority is Zwane’s long-term fitness rather than rushing him back.

“We will do it with precaution to avoid damaging him again. If we were cautious last time, now we have to be extra cautious because he deserves it and, most of all, we need him. We need to be patient in order to have him ready.”

Widely regarded as one of Sundowns’ greatest-ever players, “Mshishi” Zwane has made 426 appearances, scored 80 goals, and provided 60 assists for the club.

His glittering career includes nine league titles, one MTN8 trophy, two Carling Knockout Cups, three Nedbank Cups, a CAF Champions League medal, a CAF Super Cup, and the recent African Football League crown.