‘One of the greats’ – Ronwen Williams full of praise for Themba Zwane as he approaches 50 Bafana caps

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Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams has paid tribute to his team-mate Themba Zwane who is set to reach 50 caps for the national team.

Zwane will reach half a century if he plays in Friday’s match between South Africa and Congo although that looks like a formality as he is one of coach Hugo Broos’ most trusted men.

Ahead of the landmark appearance, Williams has praised Zwane not just for the outstanding career he has had but also for his influence on and off the pitch.

What has Ronwen Williams said about Themba Zwane?

“He is a good human being, an amazing player and one of the greats of South African football. We are proud to have him in our team, and it is a blessing to see him every day showcasing his skill and talent,” said Williams.

“Mshishi has achieved so much and yet he still puts in the extra work despite his age and all the setbacks he’s had. He keeps going and looking to get better. That’s the mentality he’s had throughout his career.

“We started together. I think it was in 2012. We got the [Bafana] call-up at the same time and to see 13 years down the line we are still together speaks volumes about his professionalism. It's a huge milestone for him as a leader, and as his friend, I am proud of him. There is more to come from Mshishi.”

Themba Zwane Bafana Bafana 1

Mshishi is the most experienced star in the Bafana setup

Zwane has been part of the Bafana Bafana setup since 2014 when he made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Australia in a friendly match.

The 35-year-old scored his first goal in a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in October 2017 and has gone on to bag 12 goals while providing three assists in 49 games. 

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.