Mamelodi Sundowns’ captain Themba Zwane has been the most talismanic and consistent player in top-flight South African football over the past decade.
Therefore, any coach who dares to leave him out of a major match when he is fully fit should be considered to have blood on their hands. It is for this reason that Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso should face the music after leaving Zwane on the bench in both legs of the CAF Champions League final.
Cardoso’s tactical decisions — and arguably a touch of ego — cost the team dearly, as Sundowns lost 3–2 on aggregate to Pyramids.
Zwane’s absence in both Pretoria and Cairo was keenly felt, not only for his technical quality and influence on the pitch but for his experience — having been part of the side that lifted the title in 2016.
1⃣3⃣ days to go until we #TakeItToTheWorld at the @FIFACWC! 🇿🇦🇺🇸
Catch all the Masandawana action for FREE, live on DAZN! Click here to Register today! 📲 https://t.co/k46ybUykWT#Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/ywUUrnvbVQ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 4, 2025
Mshishi has become something of a demigod to younger players, teammates, and even opponents. His stature and influence in the game mean he can seemingly do no wrong — a perception that continues to drive him to excellence.
So revered is Zwane within South African football circles that his exclusion can send shockwaves through the sport’s hierarchy. Cardoso need only ask his Bafana Bafana counterpart, Hugo Broos.
When Broos first took charge of the national team, he was firm in his stance: there would be limited places for players over the age of 30 unless they offered something exceptional.
At that time, Zwane did not fit Broos’s criteria and was left out. But as criticism over his exclusion grew louder, Broos began to view Zwane differently. He later admitted that leaving the Sundowns captain out was the one major error of his Bafana tenure.
𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 📹
Club Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe praises the team’s effort, despite the outcome, the journey has brought us closer to greatness, with unity and determination remaining strong as we look ahead. 💛
Head to our YouTube channel to get… pic.twitter.com/qbrrZCc6yM
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 3, 2025
That has proven true. Zwane has since justified his inclusion, playing a vital role in Bafana’s resurgence.
With Zwane pulling the strings in midfield, South Africa claimed their first podium finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in over 20 years, qualified for back-to-back Afcon tournaments, and now stand on the brink of a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Broos eventually ate humble pie, conceding: “Only fools do not change their mind.” Zwane had indeed proved him wrong and become a cornerstone of the national team.
This is not to say Cardoso is a fool — but his decision to post a smiling photo with Zwane at Chloorkop after the final, without addressing the controversy, was poorly judged. He had plenty of time to explain Zwane’s omission in Cairo. Instead of being transparent, he claimed it wasn’t the right time to speak about individuals.
When will that time come? That remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that Masandawana fans are still demanding answers.
Sundowns President Thlopi Motsepe addresses the fans prior to team arrival at OR Tambo.
Fans: 🗣 Themba Zwane…🤧 pic.twitter.com/siCQZkQQjA
— Mnyamani 📽 (@Zikamnyamane) June 2, 2025
The Yellow Nation took their frustration to another level on Monday. After club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe addressed fans at OR Tambo International Airport, Zwane’s name rang out in unison.
Who can blame them?
Zwane has paid his dues in South African football. He is admired by virtually everyone in the local game.
Though naturally reserved, Zwane’s flair on the pitch borders on the diabolical — weaving past defenders and keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Even former teammates, pundits, and club legends were left stunned by Cardoso’s decision to bench a player of Zwane’s calibre in such a pivotal match.
Of course, had Sundowns lifted the continental crown without Zwane, Cardoso might have been hailed as a tactical genius. But they didn’t. And now, he must answer for it. If not dismissed, he must at least be made to reconsider Zwane’s role ahead of the Club World Cup later this month.
Sundowns will kick off their tournament against Ulsan at midnight — and no fan will want to stay up for that without a glimpse of some Mshishi Magic.
