Cardoso Dodges Questions On Zwane’s Omission
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso sidestepped questions about not fielding the team’s captain, Themba Zwane, in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids, emphasizing the team’s overall strength instead.
Despite being part of the matchday squad in both legs, Zwane was an unused substitute in the first leg and didn’t feature in the second leg, which Sundowns lost 2-1 (3-2 aggregate).
When asked about Zwane’s omission, Cardoso said, “I totally understand what kind of answer you want or you’re looking for, but I think it’s not time to speak about individual performances of players. This group is great and has a lot of quality players. I think even Themba is one of those quality players in the team.”
Zwane recently returned from a serious knee injury he suffered with Bafana Bafana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in October against Congo. It might be the case that Cardoso is managing his star player well, having given him a recent one-year contract extension with Sundowns until June 2026.
However, the 35-year-old’s lack of game time under Cardoso has sparked speculation about his prospects with the team and potentially even with the Bafana Bafana, who will compete in the AFCON in December this year.
Sundowns’ squad depth has been evident throughout the season, but Zwane’s absence from the starting lineup has been notable. Despite his experience and quality, it appears Cardoso may have other plans for the team, potentially relegating Zwane to the sidelines.
The implications of Zwane’s lack of game time extend beyond Sundowns, as it may impact his chances of featuring for the Bafana Bafana. With the AFCON on the horizon, Zwane’s absence from the Sundowns lineup could prove costly for the national team.
For now, Cardoso remains tight-lipped about Zwane’s situation, choosing to focus on the team’s overall strength.
As Sundowns regroup and plan for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, questions surrounding Zwane’s role in the team will likely persist. The Bafana Bafana’s AFCON campaign may also be affected if Zwane fails to secure regular game time.
