Themba Zwane has vowed to wear his heart on his sleeve whenever he dons the national team jersey and says that he’s humbled by the latest recognition.
Zwane will captain Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Uganda tonight in Orlando (kick-off 6pm) and South Sudan on Tuesday (kick-off 3pm).
Despite being in the Bafana set-up for a while, this is the first time he’s been given such a responsibility.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams urges supporters to come out in numbers and support the team in the AFCON qualifier against Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 6 September 2024.#BafanaPride#AFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/oBZrUdOpGt
Zwane has been the most consistent player in the league in the past few seasons, with his work ethic, professionalism, and humility keeping him sharp. And despite being fielded sparingly at Sundowns due to being ‘managed’ by the coaches, he’s been evergreen for coach Hugo Broos in the national team.
The 35-year-old is looking forward to leading his nation against The Cranes tonight.
“The free role that I am getting here in the national team helps me to connect well with the strikers and the midfielders,” said Zwane at the pre-match press conference in Orlando yesterday.
“I am also very comfortable especially when I am a 10 – I try to break the lines. I try to play around the box, create goals and score whenever I get a chance.”
While ‘Mshishi’ is usually in beast mode up front, mesmerising defenders or scoring goals, he is a shy and soft-spoken person. However, he knows that he can’t be timid on the field, especially as the captain – a role he also holds at Sundowns.
“I know that I don’t like to talk a lot. But I also know that my role is very important on the field, I must lead by example,” Zwane said.
“I want to be a good example to the young ones. So, I need to show that example by pushing myself and improving with every game.”
Zwane is filling in for the injured captain Ronwen Williams at Bafana. Despite being club teammates Zwane said he didn’t ask the Bafana No.1 for advice.
“I haven’t spoken to him. But obviously, he’s more experienced than me captain-wise. He gives me advice on the team level. He’s always pushing me,” Zwane said.
The 32-year-old Williams became the first Africa-based goalkeeper to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yachine award on Wednesday night.
Zwane, like most passionate football people in the country, said there was no person better suited for the recognition than the Gqeberha-born goalkeeper.
“It says a lot. It shows that hard work really pays. He works a lot – he pushes himself a lot. He’s quality. So, we are happy for him,” Zwane said.
