Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his desire to include the
experienced Themba Zwane in his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations
(AFCON), but admits the midfielder’s fitness presents a significant
challenge.
Zwane has been sidelined since September after suffering a setback in his
recovery from an initial injury. While he has made positive progress, the
34-year-old will not be rushed back, casting serious doubt on his
availability for the continental tournament.
The Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker’s path to AFCON fitness is fraught with
obstacles. He has already missed Bafana’s last four FIFA World Cup
qualifiers and is notably absent from the preliminary squad for November’s
friendly against Zambia. With just one more match scheduled after the Zambia
fixture before AFCON begins, Zwane has very little time to regain match
sharpness at the highest level.
Given this tight timeline, a more realistic and strategic target is
emerging: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is understood that Zwane is determined
to grace a World Cup before retiring, and the 2026 showpiece represents his
prime opportunity to fulfill that ambition.
For now, the focus remains on a careful and methodical rehabilitation
process. The player and his medical team are committed to ensuring a full
recovery, prioritizing his long-term career and the ultimate goal of
representing South Africa on the world’s biggest stage.
