Time to move on: South African football must prepare for life without Themba Zwane
Ageing genius Themba Zwane remains a genius with a football at his feet, but the 36-year-old’s recent injury record make it clear that the national team needs fresh talent in his position. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
South African football was recently reminded of Themba Zwane’s fragility, and the need to quickly find a replacement for the ageing talisman.
Despite being on the wrong side of 36, Zwane remains one of the most creative players in the country. His game intelligence and spatial awareness are second to none. His vision and end product make him one of South Africa’s most decisive players..
With a football at his feet, Zwane is a genius. His genius makes him the heartbeat of both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, which is why his absence always leaves a massive void.
After suffering an injury to his Achilles last year, he was missed by both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. That’s why national team coach Hugo Broos was desperate to find someone who could fill his shoes without difficulty.
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Patrick Maswanganyi brings energy, flair and a willingness to take on defenders, while Jayden Adams offers composure and control in midfield. Yet both still lack Zwane’s consistency in the final third – the ability to turn half-chances into goals and assists. However, Broos will have to persist with them as Zwane faces another spell on the sidelines due to a new injury.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed last week that Zwane would be unavailable for “around two months” after being stretched off the field during their MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates.
This is surely a sign that both Sundowns and Bafana should start moving away from the injury prone veteran. Broos has over the last year spoken numerous times about finding a permanent replacement for Zwane. Maybe now is the time to trust others with being the creative heartbeat. Players like Maswanganyi, Adams and others still emerging have the chance to shape a new era – one where creativity is shared, not carried by a single star.
If South African football is to grow beyond its reliance on a single genius, the transition has to begin now. Zwane’s legacy as one of the finest playmakers of his generation is secure, but the future will be defined by whether players like Maswanganyi, Adams, or someone else can step forward and make the role their own.
For Bafana Bafana and Sundowns alike, the time has come to stop waiting for Zwane’s return – and start building without him.
IOL Sport
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