Bafana player Themba Zwane during a training session FILE. Themba Zwane will captain Bafana Bafana in Afcon Qualifiers. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Mamelodi Sundowns’ talisman Themba Zwane will captain Bafana Bafana in the upcoming Afcon Qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
Regular skipper Ronwen Williams is currently battling a shoulder injury and is not part of the squad, while vice-captain Percy Tau has been dropped from this side.
South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed the news on Monday, stating that coach, Broos, had picked Zwane to lead the side in the crucial qualifiers.
“Themba Zwane will captain the Bafana Bafana team that will face Uganda and South Sudan in two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in the coming days,” Safa said in a statement.
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Themba Zwane to captain Bafana against Uganda, South Sudanhttps://t.co/ktd7YTzy0S
“Coach Hugo Broos made the announcement to the team after dinner on Tuesday night and the mercurial player will lead the South African senior national side.
“ Against Uganda at home at Orlando Stadium on Friday, September 6(6pm) and away against South Sudan in their second Afcon qualifier on Tuesday, September 10 2024.” SAFA said.
The 36-year-old Zwane has a total of 46 caps for the national team and was a key figure for Bafana during the 2023 Afcon in which Bafana claimed a bronze medal.
“Mshishi” has also been a vital cog in the Sundowns’ side that has dominated South African football in recent years, and is widely regarded by many as one the best players the country has ever produced.
Broos also praised Zwane earlier this year before the Afcon in Ivory Coast, stating that he was the best player he had ever coached.