In a major boost for the South African national team, Mamelodi Sundowns
captain Themba Zwane has declared himself fully fit and ready for
selection for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), less than two
months before the tournament kicks off.
The announcement will come as welcome news to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo
Broos, who has consistently indicated that a spot for the influential
36-year-old is contingent on his fitness. Zwane has been sidelined since
September with an injury but has now confirmed his successful recovery.
“I am feeling good. I am running without the pain. For now, it’s just to do
more strengthening, so that I can be more stronger. I am looking forward to
being on the pitch,” Zwane told media after the CAF Champions League draw on
Monday.
When asked directly if he would be ready for AFCON, the midfielder was
emphatic: “100 percent.”
Zwane was a key figure in the Bafana team that clinched a third-place finish
in the 2024 edition of the tournament in Ivory Coast. His return to full
fitness provides a significant lift for Broos’s attacking options as he
finalizes his squad.
In other news, Zwane’s club, Mamelodi Sundowns, discovered their opponents
in the CAF Champions League group stages. They were drawn in Group C
alongside Sudan’s Al Hilal, Algeria’s MC Alger, and DR Congo’s St Eloi
Lupopo—the side that eliminated Orlando Pirates from the competition.
“That’s Champions League for you. You can’t choose who to play. It’s an
exciting group,” Zwane commented. “We have a good team to compete, with
quality players. We have to bring our A-game and try to put the team where
it can qualify for the next round.”
