Themba Zwane: Agent tells Mshishi what to do if Chiefs or Pirates show interest

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane is facing an uncertain future at the club as he heads into the final months of his deal.

Zwane, who was handed a one-year contract extension in June, will see his current deal run out at the end of this season and it is not certain if the PSL champions will offer him fresh terms.

This is because of the injuries that have disrupted him this season, limiting his appearances to just five so far, while he is in a race against time to be fit for a spot in the final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zwane made it to the 55-man preliminary squad unveiled by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Monday but he has just two weeks to prove his fitness as South Africa must submit the final squad 10 days before the start of the December 21 to January 18 tournament in Morocco.

Themba Zwane given key transfer advice

Now aged 36, Zwane is in the twilight years of his career, although he is still producing great performances, but his fitness issue could see Sundowns decide against handing him a new deal.

An agent, who is familiar with such matters, has, however, advised Zwane to ensure he gets an extension at the club as it is the best way to guarantee his future beyond his playing days and also cement his legendary status.

“Themba is 36, so a one-year contract could be understandable from Sundowns if they decide to go that route. I understand that from a player-representative perspective,” the agent, who did not wish to be named, told KickOff.com.

“But we are looking at several scenarios because he is a club legend, and at the same time, we must consider the player’s future and life after football.

Should Mshishi accept Pirates or Chiefs?

“If Sundowns say he should retire at the end of this season, then they need to provide the benefits he deserves from the club, which would most likely include a role within the team.”

The agent then threw a spanner in the works, explaining that there could be a scenario, even though it looks unlikely, when Mshishi gets an offer from either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates.

“The second option is that, if he still wants to play for a few more seasons, he could join another team. If Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates come in with more money and a two-year or longer offer, it wouldn’t be a bad move,” he added.

“But here is the other issue in that scenario…If Themba leaves Sundowns for Chiefs, Pirates, Sekhukhune [United], or any other club, once they eventually release him, he won’t be their legend, and he might end up without a job after playing.”

“As I said, a one-year contract at Sundowns is still the better option than a two-year deal elsewhere, as long as they can assure him of employment after he retires, whether that’s after one more season or at the end of this one,” he further advised.