Themba Zwane to Miss Months of Action as Mamelodi Sundowns Star Suffers Injury Blow

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that a key player will be sidelined for several months due to injury
• The setback comes at a crucial time as the team navigates a challenging start to the season
• Cardoso remains confident in the squad’s depth, saying other players are ready to step up in the absence

Mamelodi Sundowns have been dealt a major blow with the latest injury to their midfield talisman, who is expected to be sidelined for several months.

The Betway Premiership champions, who had a slow start to their title defence, managed a 2-0 win over Magesi on Wednesday, 20 August, but will unfortunately be without one of their key players until November.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso provided an update after the match, revealing that the team’s captain, Themba Zwane, who was forced off with an injury during the MTN8 first-leg semi-final against Orlando Pirates last week, will be miss several months due to an injury. He was absent from the squad that faced Magesi.

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"Unfortunately, Themba will be out for around two months, but I believe he will come back stronger. Since the time he got injured, the club and he have done everything possible to reduce his recovery time," Cardoso said.

"Let’s hope we can get him back as soon as possible."

See the tweet below:

Zwane's injury issue is recurrent

This marks Zwane’s second injury in as many months, having been sidelined with an injury at the start of last season. However, Cardoso was quick to stress that the squad has enough depth to cover for Zwane’s absence.

See the tweet below:

Peter Shalulile reaches a milestone

The coach also praised Namibian striker Peter Shalulile, who recently equalled Siyabonga Nomvethe’s PSL record of 129 goals.

Cardoso said that when players achieve personal milestones and make history, and the team supports them in doing so, everyone feels proud and happy.

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He added that he congratulated Peter and hugged him, emphasising the striker’s importance in winning matches.

He noted that both Peter and the team had performed exceptionally, showing resilience in what was a difficult match.

See the tweet below:

The coach explained that they had included many young players in the starting lineup but reinforced the bench, which helped secure the victory. He concluded by congratulating both the team and Peter for their efforts.

Shalulile could surpass Nomvethe and become the all-time PSL top scorer when Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs in their next Betway Premiership fixture. Reacting to equalling the PSL goal-scoring record, the Namibian forward thanked his Sundowns teammates and expressed excitement for the season ahead.

"To be honest, I just want to thank my teammates," he told SuperSport TV.

"For us, it’s about coming into the game and scoring goals. I believe many more goals will come."

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Looking ahead, Shalulile added,

"I’m looking forward to my first start. I don’t want to talk too much about the top goal scorer record, but I know it’s going to end very well this year."

He also confirmed he has set a personal target of scoring 21 goals in the campaign.

Cardoso reacts to Sundowns' draw against Pirates

Briefly News earlier reported that Cardoso is not carried away by Sundowns getting an away goal in their MTN8 semi-final clash with Pirates.

The former Esperance of Tunisia coach believes his team would get the job done when they host the Soweto giants at home.

Source: Briefly News