Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Benson Mhlongo has weighed in on the debate surrounding Themba Zwane’s role at Sundowns, insisting that the midfielder himself is best placed to determine whether he can still perform at the highest level.
Zwane, affectionately known as Mshishi, has faced questions over whether he should still be a regular starter for the Brazilians at his age, while his continued inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad has also sparked debate given his lack of regular game time at club level.
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Speaking on the Chillers Network Podcast, Mhlongo suggested that physical condition and the ability to train consistently should be central to the discussion, rather than age alone.
“The only person who can tell us if it’s his time is Mshishi himself. If I can train properly, I could play in the PSL now, right now. Did you ever see me sprinting?” Mhlongo said.
The former midfielder, who represented both Pirates and Sundowns during his playing career, also touched on the situation surrounding Sipho Mbule, who was viewed as a potential replacement for Zwane in the number 10 role.
“It was Mbule, he was there to replace Zwane, to be the number 10,” he added.
Mhlongo then reflected on his own past struggles with discipline, drawing a distinction between his experiences and those of players who have faced questions over their professionalism.
“If you had to hear the stories about me, I was worse, but I came clean to say I drink. These guys who are indisciplined now didn’t come clean. I never skipped training sessions. When you don’t come to work, that’s when there’s problems,” he explained.
Zwane remains one of Sundowns’ most experienced and technically gifted players, having played a key role in the club’s domestic dominance over the past decade.
However, with competition for places increasing and questions being raised about his regular involvement, the 36-year-old’s role has become a talking point among supporters and pundits.
His situation has also attracted attention at national team level, with debates continuing over whether players who are not regular starters for their clubs should retain places in the Bafana Bafana squad.
Mhlongo’s comments add another perspective to the discussion, highlighting the importance of fitness, professionalism and a player’s own assessment of their ability to continue competing, rather than making age the sole deciding factor.