“He Will Be With Us”: Broos Makes Bold World Cup Guarantee For Zwane
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted deep concern over Themba Zwane’s lack of regular game time at Mamelodi Sundowns. Broos is banking on the veteran midfielder regaining full match fitness to rediscover his best form before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June.
The Road to Recovery
Despite his concerns, Broos confirmed that if Zwane remains injury-free, he is guaranteed a spot in the final 23-man squad.
Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders in PSL history, “Mshishi” made his long-awaited return to the national team on Friday during Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It has been a difficult road for the 36-year-old. Zwane suffered a devastating ACL injury in October 2024 during an AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.
While he recovered in time for the FIFA Club World Cup last term, another setback early this season kept him out of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where Bafana Bafana were eliminated by Cameroon in the Round of 16.
Managing the “Number 10”
Broos emphasized that Zwane’s minutes must be managed with extreme caution to avoid further relapses.
“I think everyone saw why I put him in the team,” said Broos.
“Themba Zwane is such a good player, but I knew also that he was not going to play for the 90 minutes. We have to be attentive to him, be careful with him, and not overload him.
“Because, if you overload him, he will have injuries. Therefore, he came out after 55 minutes. We will see on Tuesday if he will recuperate.”
Zwane was replaced in the 60th minute by the energetic Relebohile Mofokeng, who provided a creative spark as South Africa searched for a winner.
Seeking Rhythm at Chloorkop
Broos was candid about Zwane’s current physical state, noting that his lack of minutes at Sundowns has affected his pace.
“If he recovers, he will play again because he needs it,” Broos continued.
“I cannot decide that, but I hope he gets more time playing with Sundowns, because he needs that rhythm of the game.
“He needs those minutes to play, also in the games, because he was a little bit slow, and that is the reason he doesn’t play enough.
“But again, if Themba stays like he did now and fit, no injuries, then even if he is not ready for 90 minutes, he will be with us in the World Cup, and that is for sure.”
Despite the rustiness, Zwane showed flashes of his trademark class. In the first half, a sublime flick released Aubrey Modiba through the Panama defense, though the chance went begging when Modiba lost his footing inside the box.
Bafana Bafana will face Panama in a second friendly at the DHL Stadium this Tuesday, where Broos hopes to give Zwane more vital minutes if he recovers in time.
