Dolly departure has let in Zwane
OUR READERS CHOOSE DOWNS STAR From being a bit-part player he has blossomed.
Themba Zwane has been the name on the lips of many Mamelodi Sundowns supporters in recent weeks. The attacking midfielder has been in fine form for the Brazilians this season, especially in the month of February, where has been voted by Phakaaathi’s readers as their Player-of-the-Month.
Zwane spent a couple of seasons battling to nail down a regular spot in the starting line-up at Chloorkop, but the departure of Keagan Dolly in January has helped turn around his fortunes.
The 27-year-old started in all of Masandawana’s five league games in February, making the leftwing position his own, and has found no trouble, even though he is a right-footed player. Zwane has scored three goals in the process, seeing him tally five goals in the league so far. He was also included in Downs’ starting line-up against Kampala Capital City Authority in the Champions League on Friday and his performances have earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola at the end of the month.
His team-mate, Tiyani Mabunda, believes if Zwane continues to do well, he can emerge as a strong contender for Player-of-the-Season.
“He was not playing regularly at the club, and now that he has been given an opportunity, he has done exceptionally well, and that has allowed him to get back into the national team. I believe in his abilities because he was ready when his opportunity came – he grabbed it with both hands,” said Mabunda.
“Since he took over from Keagan, there has been no trouble and he has been scoring goals. I believe he is going to continue scoring those crucial goals for us. Even in the national team I believe he will score goals,” Mabunda told Phakaaathi.
He continued: “I believe he could contend for the Player-of-the-Season award and, in addition, there are many players in our team who are doing well and can contend. We are more focused on team awards than individual awards, and Themba’s performances are a result of teamwork.
“I believe that if Themba is nominated for the award, in the end he has what it takes and he has a good chance of winning it.”