Devastating News for Sundowns: Cardoso Confirms Long Layoff for Themba Zwane

It's bad news for Mamelodi Sundowns and their fans. Head coach Miguel Cardoso has given an update on Themba Zwane's injury, revealing that the team captain is expected to be out for two months.

Zwane, or ‘Mshishi' as he's known, picked up the injury during the first half of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, forcing him off the pitch and into an early exit. Jayden Adams took his place.

This is a tough blow for Zwane, especially since he only just came back from a long-term Achilles tendon injury he suffered last season.

After Sundowns' 2-0 victory over Magesi FC on Wednesday night, coach Cardoso was asked for an update on his star player. He confirmed the two-month timeline but added that the medical team would work hard to try and get him back sooner.

CARDOSO ON THEMBA ZWANE'S INJURY

“Unfortunately, Themba will be out for, I believe, maybe two months, probably,” Cardoso told reporters. “It’s unfortunate, but he will come back stronger for sure, and we are expecting him to come as quickly as possible.”

Cardoso added that the club and Zwane are making every effort to shorten the recovery time. “Since the moment he got injured, the club and Themba made every effort to make that time as short as possible. Let’s hope we can make it as short as possible.”

The coach also emphasized that Zwane's absence is a significant setback for the team. “All players and everyone who’s part of the family [if] they are not 100% [fit], it is a big blow,” he said. 

Despite the loss, Cardoso remains optimistic about the team's depth. “But he will come back again, and soon he will be on the pitch, but [for now] we will rise with others.”