For some reason, there is a perception that Themba Zwane plays a lot better for Bafana Bafana than he does for his club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Nonetheless, ‘Mshishi’ has been one of the most consistent performers for club and country as he marks a decade in the national set-up.
Zwane is set to lead out Bafana Bafana in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Uganda as captain this evening at the Orlando Stadium, kick-off is at 6PM.
‘Mshishi’ was the talisman in South Africa’s 2023 AFCON run where they collected a bronze medal in Ivory Coast as he netted two goals and registered a single assist paired with several Man of the Match performances.
The Downs skipper says the different role he is deployed to at Bafana gives him a bit more freedom.
READ: Bafana Bafana v Uganda, 6 September 2024: kick-off time, betting odds, players to watch & more!
“It is the free role that I am playing at the national team, it helps me so much to connect with the strikers and connect with the midfielders.
“I am so comfortable when I am playing as a No.10 and try to play in between the lines. That is what helps me to do well in the national team. I play around the box and try to create those chances and score goals whenever I get the chance,” said Zwane.
Zwane is Williams’ captain at Sundowns, but ‘Mshishi’ is not shy to admit that the former SuperSport United skipper has more mileage than him when it comes to leadership.
“I have not spoken to him [since being appointed Bafana skipper] but Ronwen is more experienced than me in terms of being captain and he gives me advice in the team (Sundowns) and he is always there trying to push me.
“I know for sure that I don’t like to talk a lot but my role is very important to the field to lead by example and I want to be a good example to the young ones and do that by pushing myself on the pitch,” Zwane explained before he went on to sing the praises of his teammate for his recent recognition.
Williams has been nominated for a Ballon d’Or award in the goalkeepers’ category.
“It shows that hard work really pays. Ronwen works a lot, he pushes himself, he is quality, and we are happy for him,” Zwane concluded.
A masterclass in composure, courtesy of Themba Zwane. 🇿🇦⚽#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/RPlv22Wrsy
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 15, 2024
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