‘I’m afraid’: says Broos revealing Zwane’s nature of injury

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana have suffered a massive blow after Themba Zwane attained serious injury against Congo Brazzaville in the AFCON qualifier.

‘Mshishi’ had played just less than 40 minutes when he was stretched off and replaced by Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi.

Speaking after the match, Broos said one of the factors behind their poor performance on the day was because of losing an influential player like Zwane in the first half.

He revealed that Zwane picked up an Achilles tendon injury, expressed concern that the Thembisa-born star would be out for several months.

Themba-Zwane
YAMOUSSOUKRO, COTE D IVOiRE – FEBRUARY 3 Themba Zwane of South Africa during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations Afcon 2023 match between Cape Verde and South Africa at Stade Charles Konan Banny on February 3, 2024 in Yamoussoukro, Cote d Ivore. Photo by Steve Jordan Copyright: xx

BROOS ON ZWANE – ‘I’M AFRAID HE’LL BE OUT FOR MONTHS’

“Themba Zwane is a very important player for us,” said Broos after the match.

“So, it was not a good thing for us that Themba had to go out with an injury. It’s a big injury, it’s Achilles [tendon].

“I’m afraid, he will be out for months. So, again when you lose such an important player, it’s difficult certainly in a game where you are dominated.

“That’s because Themba is someone who can keep the ball, who can give the last pass, so he was not there and maybe that was the reason why we didn’t play so well today.”

Bafana will have to do without Zwane in the two remaining AFCON qualifying matches. They face Uganda on 11 November and South Sudan eight days later.

This could see Maswanganyi being a regular starter for now, with Broos having also tipped him as Zwane’s future replacement.

Meanwhile, the Brazilians, who seem to be in a bit of revamping process under the new leadership of Manqoba Mngqithi, will also miss the services of their captain for some time.

Avatar photo

Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.