Former Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back Lovers Mohlala says he was shocked to see Themba Zwane not feature in the CAF Champions League final.
Mshishi, as Zwane is affectionately known, recently returned from a long-term injury suffered on national duty but has not played as much for the cub though he came on in the semi-final against Al Ahly.
Sundowns lost their first final in the competition in nine years 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC this past weekend, with many believing Zwane could have made a difference in the second leg in Cairo.
Mohlala expressed his shock to iDiski Times senior writer Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 207 of the newspaper adding that Sundowns should have won the trophy with Mshishi on the pitch.
“I knew when I saw the starting line-up without Mshishi that there was going to be trouble” Mohlala, told IDiski Times.
“But what shocked me the most was that Cardoso did not even bring him on when the team was struggling. We all saw how Themba influenced the match against Al Ahly in the semi-final, but the coach did not see it?
“I sympathise with the fans who were crying because of the defeat, because I also felt that pain. We should have won that match if the coach had just done the right thing.”
Meanwhile, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, in his own defence on not fielding the 35-year-old, said Zwane is one of many quality players at the club but Mohlala disagreed, saying the midfielder is a footballing god.
“Themba is a God of football” added the legend.
“He is the reason I watch Sundowns play. Any South African will tell you that Themba Zwane is the best we have at the moment, and he could have made a huge difference for Sundowns in that match.
“He reminds me of the late Shoes Moshoeu, a player who can influence the direction of the game with just one pass.”
You can read Mohala’s full comments in Mamabolo’s feature on Mamelodi Sundowns 2025 Champions League campaign in edition 207.