Mamelodi Sundowns Manqoba Mngqithi has lamented on the sad reality of losing his captain Themba Zwane, saying he was managing him well while the national team coach Hugo Broos was not. 

Mngqithi added that he was surprised to see Zwane playing the entire game when Bafana Bafana beat Congo 5-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match last week Friday, considering his age.

As fate happens, Zwane started the return leg in the Congo on Tuesday but suffered an Achilles tendon injury and was taken off in the first half. 

The 35-year-old, who earned his 50th cap in that match on Friday, is set to be out for four to six months, having gone for the surgery upon his return in South Africa on Thursday. 

Mngqithi firmly addressed the situation, reminding Broos to focus on his own team’s matters and allow him to handle his squad. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect between coaches and dismissed the idea of being dictated to by another coach about how to manage his players.

Mngqithi was displeased with Zwane being pushed to play extensively despite concerns over his physical recovery.

“It’s sad when you lose some of your players, especially when you’ve done everything you can to protect them. I know that recovery for a player like Zwane isn’t the same as it is for a younger player like Mabena,” lamented Mngqithi.

“To see a player like Themba playing 90 minutes in the first match and still starting the second one, raised alarm bells for me. I believe we could have handled this better as two coaches. Honestly, I do plan to call him and speak to him directly. I don’t like talking about someone behind their back; I prefer addressing them directly,” he added.

When asked how player load management can be improved to prevent injuries, Mngqithi reiterated the need for mutual respect between coaches, suggesting that better communication would naturally follow.

“I think it all begins with respect. If we respect one another, communication will always be more effective because, in the end, we all need each other,” he concluded.

Sundowns, who have won all three league matches this season, are back in action as they host Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday (18:00). Sundowns last won this competition in the 2019/20 season under Pitso Mosimane’s treble.