Themba Zwane: Broos gives ‘Mshishi’ AFCON 2025 ultimatum – ‘If he doesn’t play in…’

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that Themba Zwane has a slim chance of featuring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations unless he can prove his fitness soon.

Zwane has been in and out of action this season with his last appearance for Mamelodi Sundowns in September before he suffered an injury that has kept home out since.

While he has since returned to training, his coach Miguel Cardoso has been categorical that the 36-year-old will not be rushed back given his age and his recent fitness struggles which means he will be playing sparingly this season.

Broos does not see Zwane playing AFCON 2025

That is not good news for Zwane as Broos has already cast doubts over the possibility of the playmaker making his squad to AFCON 2025 in Morocco with the tournament slated between December 21 and January 18.

“Themba… I will see, he’s injured at the moment again, I don’t know if he will not play in the next two weeks – we have to forget him,” Broos said of the Sundowns captain as quoted by iDiski Times.

Broos feels Mshishi is unlikely to be ready to play a part at the continental tournament in Morocco but has left the door open for him for the 2026 World Cup.

When does Bafana coach expect to have Mshishi?

“He didn’t play all season, so I think for AFCON, it will be difficult for Themba, very difficult. But yeah – I still hope for next year – but we will see,” he added.

Zwane last played for Bafana Bafana in October 2024 during a 2025 AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville when he suffered a nasty Achilles injury that needed surgery and kept him out of action until April this year.

He has not been the same player since, struggling with fitness and form, while Sundowns have opted to manage his minutes in a bid to avoid more problems for him.