Sipho Mbule should begin rooming with Themba Zwane, says former Orlando Pirates skipper Benson Mhlongo.
As Bafana Bafana edge closer to announcing their final AFCON 2025 squad, one of the biggest talking points remains the uncertain fitness of Themba Zwane.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR SIPHO MBULE TIPPED AS THE BEST REPLACEMENT FOR THEMBA ZWANE
Questions around Zwane’s place in Hugo Broos’ AFCON plans have grown louder in recent weeks, not because of form, but because of how little football he has played. The 36-year-old from Tembisa has had a stop-start season disrupted by two major injuries, managing only a handful of appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Time is ticking. The league will start its AFCON break soon, and it’s still unclear whether Zwane will get enough minutes under his belt before Broos finalises his travelling squad. Bafana Bafana will be in Group B with Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with the first match set for 22 December against Angola.
Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo believes Zwane’s value is not limited to what happens on the pitch, and that even a half-fit “Mshishi” could still play a big role in Morocco.
“Some of us played with injuries for about six months and no one knew… we were playing with injections,” he via Soccer Laduma. “What can you teach Mbule?” he asked.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs legend questions Bafana coach on three players
“For him, sleeping with Mbule, sharing a room, he can give Mbule ideas and help him adjust and perform,” Mhlongo added.