Zwane’s Bafana Bafana time over? Broos hints he has found a replacement

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has hinted that Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane's slot in the team has been filled.

The veteran versatile attacker played a crucial role for the national team before picking up an injury in 2024 against Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. He recovered and made a few appearances for Masandawana a couple of months ago, including the World Cup, but has been out for some weeks owing to an injury.

In his absence of Mshishi, as he is commonly referred to, South Africa coach Hugo Broos has been trying a few players in the number 10 role. It seems the 73-year-old Belgian has now found a suitable replacement ahead of the biennial competition to be played in Morocco from December 21.

Is it Mbule or Maswanganyi?

“Sipho [Mbule] was with us from the first day I was here, and immediately I saw what a good player he was,” Broos told the media.

“But he had interests other than football, and after a few times, I didn’t call him anymore. When you look at Sipho’s career, he played for [Mamelodi] Sundowns, he plays for Pirates, and he’s played for big teams. Look what a career he has.

“So, when we were looking for a replacement for Themba, we tried Patrick, and then we talked about Sipho. I said, you see how Sipho is playing, he had a good moment at Sekhukhune [United last season], but it was again like that [went down due to discipline issues]. I talked with Helman [Mkhalele] and we said, okay, we will give him a chance,” he added.

Last chance for Pirates midfielder

“From the first minute when he came to us [against Lesotho and Nigeria], I told him, ‘Listen, this is your second chance, and after this it’s finished. I give you a chance, if you don’t grab it with two hands, it’s done. It’s up to you,” Broos added.

“You will not be with Bafana as long as I am the coach, and don’t forget there is AFCON in December and maybe the World Cup in July next year.

“I asked him, ‘Do you want to be here?’ and he said yes, so I said, ‘Okay show me.’