From hero to spectator: Themba Zwane’s silent night in CAF final defeat signals a changing of the guard
End of the road from Mshishi? Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane, seen here during the first leg of the Champions League final, was an unused substitute in Sunday's second leg, won by Egyptian side Pyramids FC. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
South Africans and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters watched helplessly on Sunday as the mighty Tshwane giants fell at the final hurdle in their bid to win a second CAF Champions League crown.
Egyptian side Pyramids dominated the South African champions and lifted the continental crown for the very first time in their history.
Also watching helplessly was talisman Themba Zwane, who was an unused substitute throughout the match.
In years gone by, coaches at Sundowns have always relied on the veteran to conjure something up and get the club out of jail, so everyone was perplexed as to why he was not called upon as the Brazilians struggled to get back into the game.
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When asked why Zwane was not brought on, Miguel Cardoso’s answer hinted at how he sees the player. “I totally understand what kind of answer you want or you’re looking for, but it’s not time to speak about individual performances of players,” the Portuguese said.
“This group is very qualified, with a lot of quality players, and obviously Themba is one of them.” That reaction speaks volumes — Zwane's days as the key player at Sundowns are clearly numbered. Throughout the season, the club have had to do without him anyway, as he spent months on the treatment table.
In that time, others have stepped up to fill the void. One of those is Jayden Adams, signed from Stellenbosch FC in January and tasked with replacing Zwane. Adams impressed but didn’t completely fill Zwane’s massive boots.
But with Zwane turning 36 in two months, it seems like the writing's on the wall, and he will now play a bit-part role at the club. He signed a new contract until the end of the 2025/26 season in April, but will now be looking back and thinking if that may have been a rash decision.
South Africans will now be watching to see how much of a role Mshishi plays at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, kicking off in two weeks. If he continues to play off the bench, then it will be clear that Cardoso no longer sees him as an important player.
Whatever happens next, Zwane’s legacy at Sundowns is already secure. He has been at the heart of the club’s most successful era, inspiring a generation with his elegance, intelligence, and clutch performances in the biggest moments.
Whether he fades quietly into a supporting role or finds one last chapter of brilliance, his contribution to South African football will not be forgotten. For now, the question is not whether Mshishi still has magic in his boots — but whether he’ll be given the stage to show it one last time.
Maybe it's time he picked up that call from Kaizer Motaung Jr.
IOL Sport
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