Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has hit back at criticism that club legend Themba Zwane has received a one-year extension.
Zwane, 35, was confirmed the have received a one-year deal that will expire at the end of June 2025, with the FIFA Club World Cup set to take place between June 15 and July 13.
There’s been suggestions that it could well be the last contract of ‘Mshishi’ at Masandawana where he’s won 18 trophies, including 10 league titles.
But the Sundowns coach said it’s in the best interest of the club, as they look to keep the Bafana Bafana playmaker on his toes and maintain his incredible standards set for over a decade in the South African top-flight and beyond.
“I think it’s the right thing to do… and everybody is free to make his opinion heard, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
“For players at that age, it’s important to keep them on their toes, I don’t think it necessarily means he will be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it’s important that he knows he has to fight for the next contract.
“And I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing we can do for our football. Because most of these senior players want to get a four-year contract because they know they are looking at retirement and you want them to perform every week.
“I think it’s a good thing and I think Mshishi is the right player for that. He’s a very professional boy, he will work very hard, he knows he can’t sit on his laurels, he has to give it his best shot and I’m very confident he will do very well.”
Zwane featured as a substitute in their 2024/25 season opener as they beat Polokwane City 1-0 after extra-time in the MTN8 on Sunday afternoon.
