Attacking midfielder

The Incumbent: Themba Zwane (29 years old)

Right now, Zwane is one of the side’s most important players with his skill in tight spaces, versatility and ability to score goals from midfield. He has contributed 14 league goals in the last two seasons, and in the side’s recent 4-2-2-2 shape, he is ideal at drifting from wide into pockets between the lines, where he can link up with those around him. At 29, he should continue to produce for the next couple of seasons, but the burden has been eased a little with Maboe’s arrival. There is also Anthony Laffor and Aubrey Ngoma in the reckoning.

The Successor: Lebohang Maboe (24 years old)

The addition for a significant transfer fee of Maboe means that Sundowns have added a modern, multi- functional player to their squad. The former Maritzburg United man can play in numerous roles – from a deeper holding role to a box-to-box midfielder, to a shuttler on the right, or even as a false nine where the Team of Choice often used him. At the Chloorkop-based outfit, he looks ideal for a role on the sides in a 4-2-2-2 formation and his quick adaptation to the club has been impressive. He also brings a real ability to press opponents and to run with the ball on counter attacks.

Verdict: Although Zwane is far from finished, Downs were wise to bring Maboe in to provide competition and a different option to this area of the pitch, with Zwane and Gaston Sirino both different in style. Once Ndlovu arrives, Sundowns will have two players who are familiar with each other’s movements and their extra athleticism together will allow the team to play at a higher tempo, both with and without the ball.