Should Themba Zwane be rushed back to first-team football?

The mercurial midfielder has been injured since October 2024, while on Bafana Bafana duty. Mshishi tore his Achilles tendon in the 1-1 draw against Congo in an AFCON Qualifier.

He has since undergone surgery and has been on his rehabilitation journey. Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has revealed that Themba Zwane will return to the first team before the end of the season. The midfielder has already returned to full training.

Following the 4-1 victory over TS Galaxy on Saturday afternoon, Cardoso revealed that the revered midfielder will return before the FIFA Club World Cup, set to commence in June.

“For sure Themba [Zwane] will recover in time, not only for the FIFA Club World Cup but to play before that,” Cardoso told members of the media in the post-match conference.

“We have expectations that he can recover together with Mothobi Mvala, Divine Lunga and Khuliso Mudau in different stages. He will come much sooner than that.” He added.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso gives update on Themba Zwane.
WATCH press conference ➡️ https://t.co/4q3fk2n4ff pic.twitter.com/qIWFAaqvul

— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) February 23, 2025

THEMBA ZWANE IS RECOVERING IN RECORD TIME

Typically, surgery on a torn Achilles Tendon injury requires approximately one year to recover.

An example is the current Ballon d’Or holder Rodri, who suffered the same injury in September 2024 but is expected to miss the entire season.

“Unlike muscle tissue, tendons don’t get a significant supply of blood. Blood delivers fluid and nutrients that are essential for healing,” according to the UT Southwestern Medical Centre.

“With a tear or rupture, you’ll likely be out of commission for at least one season of your sport of choice. Even walking will be difficult, if it’s possible at all, for several weeks during initial recovery.” The article further reads.

Zwane, who suffered the injury in October 2024, is already back in full training by February 2025. While his recovery has been impressive, there’s another factor to consider: his age.

MSHISHI WILL TURN 36 YEARS OLD IN 2025

Earlier in the season, former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi reiterated the importance of managing Themba Zwane’s minutes because of his precarious age.

“We’ve got six competitions to play in and need to ensure we don’t burn our 34-year-old [now 35 years old] early in the season,” Mngqithi revealed.

“It’s important and there is no problem. He understands how many games we are going to play this season and if we go for 90 minutes with Themba every match at 34, how far will he go this season?” he stated.

Additional to his age, Masandawana have continued to do well in the PSL, meaning they are not desperate for Mshishi to return to the team

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SHOULD NOT RUSH THEMBA ZWANE BACK INTO ACTION

The Brazilians have a comfortable 12-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership [although Orlando Pirates have three games in hand] after another successful day in the office this weekend.

Forward players such as Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, Peter Shalulile, Tashreeq Matthews, and co, have all stepped up to the plate for the 7-time reigning champions. Mshishi has the luxury of undergoing his entire rehabilitation process because his colleagues have all stepped up to the mantle.

DO YOU THINK THEMBA ZWANE IS BEING RUSHED BACK INTO ACTION?

Should Mamelodi Sundowns allow Themba Zwane to miss the rest of the domestic season and focus on the FIFA Club World Cup?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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