When Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi spoke about Themba Zwane’s role this season, he made it clear that their approach is strategic rather than a sign of trouble.
Despite starting the 34-year-old Bafana Bafana captain on the bench again recently, Mngqithi’s plan is all about managing the veteran’s workload wisely.
The Impact of Zwane’s Cameo
During their recent 2-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership Tshwane Derby at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Zwane proved his value as a substitute.
Coming off the bench, he made an immediate impact by assisting in Iqraam Rayners’ first goal.
This was the third time this season that Zwane had entered the game from the bench, and each time his influence has been felt right away.
A Deliberate Strategy
Mngqithi clarified that the decision to rotate Zwane is part of a broader strategy.
“We don’t see this as a problem,” he said.
“We need to manage our key players carefully, especially someone like Themba, who’s 34.
With so many competitions ahead, it’s crucial not to overuse him early in the season.
We must think about the long term and keep him fresh for the entire season.”
Reflecting on the Win
Looking back at the victory over SuperSport United, Mngqithi shared his thoughts on the match.
“We knew SuperSport would be tough, particularly with their strong set pieces and transitions,” he noted.
“The game was similar to our upcoming matches against teams like Mbabane, which pose similar threats.
This win sets a solid foundation for us in the Betway Premiership.”
What’s Next?
As Sundowns continue their season, it will be interesting to see how Mngqithi’s strategic approach with Zwane and the team’s performance in upcoming matches unfold.