Injured Zwane ruled out of club and country action
Bafana Bafana and Sundowns star Themba Zwane will miss October’s AFCON qualifiers and the start of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaign after a muscle injury, adding to the 36-year-old’s ongoing battle with fitness setbacks.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Media / File
Themba Zwane remains a vital figure for both Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, but the 36-year-old attacker will be absent from action in the weeks ahead.
IOL’s Herman Gibbs reports that Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that Zwane has been ruled out of South Africa’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in October after sustaining a muscle injury.
He is expected to be sidelined for over a month.
Injury setbacks continue
Zwane has battled fitness issues in recent years. His troubles began in late 2023 when he suffered an Achilles injury while playing for Bafana against Congo in AFCON qualifiers. Since then, recurring problems have disrupted his consistency, including a thigh injury earlier this season.
The latest setback came during Sundowns’ 3-0 midweek league victory over Magesi, just as he was regaining momentum.
Blow for Sundowns and Bafana
The absence stretches beyond the national team. Sundowns will also be without their experienced playmaker as they launch their CAF Champions League campaign. His return will be closely watched, with both club and country depending on his experience for the months ahead.