Bafana Bafana captain Themba Zwane says his free role in the national team has been central to his impressive form.
Zwane, 35, is arguably one of the finest players in Premier Soccer League (PSL) history and Mamelodi Sundowns based on his achievements and influence.
However, his form has waned at club level over the past 12 months, with just six goal contributions in 41 games across all competitions while he’s emerged as the attacking talisman for Bafana since Broos recalled him to the squad.
In his 19 caps since his return in September 2022, he’s netted eight goals with two assists under Broos, playing in a 10 role behind the lone striker.
“Uh what I can say is; the free role I’m playing in the national team it helps me so much to connect with the strikers, the midfielders, and I’m so comfortable [in the role] especially when I’m playing as a 10,” Zwane said when asked by iDiski Times about his impressive form with the national team.
“I try to play in between the lines, I think that’s what helps me to do well in the national team, I play around the box and try to create those chances and try to score goals whenever I get the chance.”
Broos is now closing in on three and a half years in charge and has rebuilt the reputation of the national team, who finished with a bronze medal at the recent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with Zwane being central to his impressive work.
“I think the coach has done a lot [since his arrival], he’s brought the brotherhood in the team, he’s brought a winning mentality in the team, you have seen in the games we played with the fighting spirit,” Zwane said about the Belgian coach.
“He’s brought the belief with us, that no matter who we face, we can fight and get a win – I think that motivation he gives us has made us done well since he arrived.”
South Africa open up their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at Orlando Stadium tomorrow at 18h00.
