Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has urged Mamelodi Sundowns to give Themba Zwane more game time to help him regain sharpness.
Broos was pleased with Zwane’s display against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, where the playmaker played a key role before being substituted in the 60th minute for Relebohile Mofokeng.
The coach believes Zwane brought improved fluidity to the team compared to previous matches during his absence through injury.
However, he noted that the player occasionally looked off the pace due to lack of fitness as a result of limited minutes at club level, as he is often used as a second-half substitute.
“I think everybody saw why I put him in the team today, today. He is such a good player,” said Broos.
“He made us play better football. But I knew also that he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. And we have to take attention with him and be careful with him, not to overload him because when you overload him, he could have injuries, I’m sure of it.
“So therefore, that was the reason why he came out after 55 minutes. We will see him next Tuesday, he’ll recuperate. And if he recuperates, he will play again, because he needs that.
“And I hope also, but yeah, this is not…I cannot decide about that, but I hope that he gets more playing time at Sundowns also because he needs that rhythm of the game. He needs those minutes to play.
“And we saw a few moments also in the game when he was a little bit too slow. And that the reason of that is because he doesn’t play enough.”
Broos said Zwane is assured of a place in the squad for the June World Cup, provided he maintains his current fitness levels, even if he is not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes.
“But again, if Themba stays like he is now, fit, no injuries, then even when he’s not ready for 90 minutes, he will be with us at the World Cup,” he continued.
