Mamelodi Sundowns have secured Themba Zwane's future with a new contract that will keep him at Chloorkop until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The club announced the 35-year-old has signed a new deal, extending his tenure beyond the previously scheduled expiry of June 2025. The brief Sundowns statement read: "Mshishi is here to stay! Captain Themba Zwane has penned a contract extension, keeping him at the club beyond the 2024/25 season!"

Zwane’s contract negotiations had initially stalled as the club monitored his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained while on international duty with Bafana Bafana in October.

The club’s management took a cautious approach, keen to ensure that the influential midfielder returned to full fitness and performance levels before committing to a new deal.

After undergoing surgery in October, Zwane has recently been spotted in full training, displaying signs of a return to form, which prompted Sundowns to expedite contract negotiations.

His resilience and determination to recover have underscored his value not just as a captain but also as a pivotal asset to the team’s ambitions this season.

Zwane's decision to stay with the Masandawana cements his role as a leader on and off the field, especially as the club embarks on a crucial phase of the season.

Sundowns are set to rally their forces, battling for CAF Champions League glory and defending their title in the Betway Premiership with seven fixtures ahead.

As Zwane works his way back into the side, the Sundowns fans are hopeful that Zwane, along with fellow returning player Mothobi Mvala, will inject the experience and creativity needed to guide Sundowns through these important matches.

The announcement of Zwane’s contract extension demonstrates Sundowns' trust in the talent and wisdom of their captain but also underlines their intent to maintain a competitive edge in local and continental football.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso could not say when Zwane will return to action.

"If it will be tomorrow, or the next day, or the following one, I don't know exactly. But is he available? Yes. Does he, for sure, still have some restraints for the capacity to play a 90-minute match on a level like the Champions League? For sure, he has," said Cardoso.

"Let's see how he can help us, and let's see how we introduce him to the dynamic of the team in the best possible way. That's what we've been doing in the last few weeks."

chloorkop

Even at 35 years, captain Themba Zwane is going nowhere, say Mamelodi Sundowns