Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane has conceded the road to recovery has not been easy.
The 35-year-old suffered an Achilles injury while turning out for the national team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo. The partial tear on his Achilles tendon has put him out of action since October.
However, in recent weeks, Zwane has been spotted training lightly as he works on his way back. Mshishi has revealed it has been tough physically and mentally; some critics even argued he will not get back to his best.
Zwane, who has played 411 games for Sundowns, scored 80 goals, and provided 60 assists in the process, has now explained how the journey to fitness has been.
‘I am strong, I will come back strong'

“In terms of injury, I’m coming along alright, and I’m starting to run on the side now [at training] at least I don’t feel pain,” the Bafana Bafana international told the media.
“The Achilles is tense now at the moment but I’m coming alright, so far so good. You know, to be honest, it’s been difficult, it’s been difficult, especially when you hear people saying it’s done for him now.
“But obviously I have a family that supports me, teammates who always check up on me. Overall, but I know myself, I am strong, I’ll come back strong and I’ll push myself and try to get back into the team,” Zwane concluded.
Zwane might miss the forthcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers with Bafana Bafana but once he rediscovers his form at Downs, he might be part of the 2025 Afcon squad.