Zwane points out toughest opponent faced – Not Orlando Pirates!

Published on by Willis Sob

The South Africa international has overlooked the Sea Robbers who denied the Brazilians two trophies.

Orlando Pirates played Mamelodi Sundowns four times across all competitions in the 2024/25 season.

In the Premier Soccer League, Masandawana won the first meeting before the two sides shared the spoils in the second one. However, the Sea Robbers won both MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup finals.

Another team that caused the Brazilians problems are TS Galaxy; they won they eliminated the then Rulani Mokwena-led side from Carling Knockout, and managed to get a point from them in the PSL and losing once.

Cape Town City stopped the league champions from ending the season without tasting defeat after claiming a 1-0 win in the final game of the season.

Zwane points out the toughest opponent Downs faced

However, Zwane surprised his audience when he pointed out Steve Barker's Stellenbosch as the team that caused him problems. Masandawana played Stellies three times in all outings and emerged victorious. 

The Bafana Bafana international has now justified why the Carling Knockout champions proved difficult to play against.

Themba Zwane's Sundowns future decided, agent gives update
Themba Zwane – Photo by Icon Sport

“Stellenbosch FC were the toughest team I played against], they are a young team, full of energy,” the 34-year-old told the media.

“Their team spirit is always high, and they are ready to run for each other. They also have a good coach and his style suits the players, so it is always a difficult game.

Sundowns are the one that ended Stellenbosch's 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Barker had a great campaign and almost led the team to the 2024/25 Caf Champions League competition. 

They managed to get 50 points, the same as Bucs who had a superior goal difference and went on to finish second, behind Sundowns. Stellies will represent South Africa in the Caf Confederation Cup alongside Sekhukhune United.

Zwane points out toughest opponent faced – Not Orlando Pirates!

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.