Lack Of Game Time A Factor For Zwane Ahead…

Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns not having a clear path in the Betway Premiership title race in the closing stages could be a factor for some players such as Themba Zwane, Monnapule Saleng and Mothobi Mvala in pursuit of a spot in the Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

In the last few seasons, Sundowns had made a habit of wrapping the league title or making it a foregone conclusion in the closing stages, which allowed players in need of game-time to redeem themselves without the pressure of results.

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Bafana seemingly received a boost when Themba Zwane started playing again for the Brazilians early this year, after he returned a bit late from his long-term injury to be included in the national team squad that competed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Zwane was eventually drafted back into the South Africa squad that played pre-World Cup warm-up friendlies against Panama, impressing as he started in the first of the two encounters against the Central American nation at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

However, ‘Mshishi’ has not had the continuity and much-needed game time as he would have liked at Sundowns in the latter stages of the season, as he has largely been on the bench in their CAF Champions League matches while he is yet to start in the Betway Premiership, being used off the bench in late cameo appearances.

After the Tshwane giants signed Monnapule Saleng in January, meanwhile, there were hopes that given his quality, Saleng could contest for a Bafana return ahead of the World Cup.

Although his debut for Masandawana was delayed by injury, the former Orlando Pirates winger has shown flashes of brilliance whenever called upon by head coach Miguel Cardoso.

However, the Bloemhof native attacker, in the closing stages of the campaign, has been starved of minutes, also having to settle for late appearances, as Sundowns can’t afford to make too many changes to the squad under pressure to defend their league title and also chasing the CAF Champions League.

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There was also hope that Mothobi Mvala would return in time to be considered for a Bafana return, as he has recovered from his long-term injury and has been training with the team, but opportunities to feature will be limited, with Sundowns going into their last six matches in the league in need of victories, unlike in the last few seasons, where the title was a matter of formality at this stage.

Masandawana go into all their remaining matches against Richards Bay FC, Polokwane City twice, Kaizer Chiefs, Siwelele FC and TS Galaxy in need of maximum points to be guaranteed their ninth consecutive title.

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