Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has dismissed suggestions of any issues around club legend Themba Zwane.
There’s been questions amongst media and the club’s fan base around his role within the first eleven becoming less frequent while he’s become a key figure in the national team.
With several dynamic displays over the last 12 months for Bafana Bafana, his role at Sundowns has been desribed as a plan to keep him fit and fresh for six competitions they will compete in during the 2024/25 season.
It also comes after speculation around his long-term future at the club, having signed a one-year deal at the start of the campaign.
“It’s a very good question [why Zwane isn’t starting], I don’t think there’s a problem, is there any thoughts there’s a problem, we have to periodize our players, our most important players,” he said after he came off the bench in the 2-0 win over SuperSport United on Tuesday evening.
“We have six competitions to play in and it’s very important for us to not burn our 34-year-old very early in the season, it’s very important, and it’s something that’s going to happen up until maybe you start to look at it as a problem.
“But there’s no problem, he understands, he understands how many games we’re going to play this season and if we go for 90 minutes with Themba every match at [35], how far will he go in this season?
“For me… in our periodization, it’s important we make sure we take care of Sundowns, not your wishes and aspirations, but Sundowns. Thank you.”
The eight-time league winner has amassed 409 appearances for Sundowns, scoring 80 goals with 59 assists.
