Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his views regarding the recent insufficient playing time of Themba Zwane at Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘Mshishi’ did not feature in the starting eleven for the MTN8 quarterfinal against Polokwane City, nor in the semifinal first leg against Stellenbosch FC. In both matches, he was introduced late in the second halves.
Nevertheless, he made a return to the starting lineup for the semifinal second leg against Stellies this past Sunday.
Broos indicated that he is not currently concerned about Zwane's situation. However, he acknowledged that if it continues, it could pose a challenge for Bafana Bafana in the future.
He expressed hope that Manqoba Mngqithi will reconsider his decision and include Zwane as a regular starter.
HUGO BROOS ON THEMBA ZWANE NOT STARTING GAMES AT SUNDOWNS
“For the moment, I don’t understand why he’s not playing,” said Broos.
“Is he suddenly being old? I don’t know, I’m not there, I don’t see him in training but I think it’s more tactically [the reason] why he’s not playing.
“Okay, that’s the choice of the coach and I have to respect it. But I don’t think that will be a problem for now.
“But if that goes on, it can become a problem, certainly [because] a player like him, he has to play.
“When a player like at that age is always at the bench and coming in for 20 minutes…
“I hope the new coach changes his mind a little bit and I see more of Themba at Sundowns than what I saw now.”
In the absence of Ronwen Williams, the 35-year-old, Zwane will serve as the captain of Bafana on Friday as they face Uganda in the AFCON qualifier, scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium at 6 PM.
