Can Zwane make Chiefs great again? At 35, Themba Zwane is still among South Africa’s best, but Sundowns are reportedly hesitant to renew his contract. With Kaizer Chiefs needing experience, could this be the perfect move for both player and club? Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Themba Zwane remains one of the most gifted footballers in South Africa today.
Even at 35, he continues to defy expectations with his consistent brilliance on the pitch, delivering match-winning performances for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. His creativity, vision, and technical ability have made him the heartbeat of every team he plays for — a player whose influence refuses to fade with age.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, one would think Sundowns would do everything in their power to retain one of their most creative players. But, according to reports, talks of a new deal between the player and the club have hit a roadblock, and his future is up in the air.
You can’t blame Sundowns for being hesitant about extending a 35-year-old’s contract, though. The player has missed much of the current season due to injury, and the club have been fine without him. Other players have stepped up and filled his massive boots.
There were fears Sundowns would struggle to create goalscoring opportunities in his absence, but that hasn’t been the case. The club’s march towards an eighth league title in as many years continues without a hitch.
The conclusion one can draw from that is that Sundowns are okay without their talisman.
One club that’s desperate for some veteran experience is Kaizer Chiefs. Currently, the club is stacked with some of the most exciting young talents in South African football.
The likes of Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane, and Mfundo Vilakazi all have bright futures ahead of them. However, too much has been placed on their young shoulders this season and the club has struggled.
What Chiefs have been lacking this season has been veteran experience. They thought they’d be getting it from Uruguayan attacker Gaston Sirino, but for some reason, that hasn’t worked well for the club.
Now, the club have been presented with an opportunity. One of the best players in the country could be available for free next season. They need to make sure they’re at the front of the queue if Zwane and Sundown decide to go their separate ways.
With his priceless veteran experience, the final years of his wonderful football career can be spent providing guidance to a young Kaizer Chiefs side that desperately need it.
Zwane’s next move could very well define his legacy beyond the trophies and accolades. If he chooses to join Chiefs, it wouldn’t just be about adding another chapter to his illustrious career — it would be about shaping the next generation. In a squad brimming with raw talent but lacking leadership, Zwane’s arrival could ignite a culture shift, bringing much-needed calm, composure, and football intelligence to a team crying out for direction.
Whether he stays at Sundowns or takes on a bold new challenge, one thing is certain: Themba Zwane’s story in South African football is far from over.
IOL Sport
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