Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says veteran playmaker Themba Zwane will be part of his plans for FIFA World Cup 2026 if he can remain injury-free, following an encouraging return in Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 international friendly draw with Panama last Friday.
Zwane made his first international appearance since October 2024 after struggling with persistent injuries at club level with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Impressed during his cameo
Despite limited match fitness, the 36-year-old midfielder impressed during his 55-minute cameo, helping South Africa play with greater fluency in attack.
Broos revealed that the decision to substitute Zwane after just under an hour was a precaution to avoid overloading the experienced midfielder as he continues his return to full fitness.
“He is such a good player,” Hugo Broos said.
“He made us play better football. But I knew also that he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. We have to be careful with him and not overload him because that could lead to injuries.”
‘Needs minutes’
The Belgian tactician added that Zwane will be assessed again ahead of Bafana Bafana’s second friendly against Panama in Cape Town on Tuesday, 31 March.
“That was the reason why he came out after 55 minutes,” Hugo Broos explained.
“We will see him again on Tuesday. He will recuperate and if he is ready, he will play again because he needs those minutes.”
Broos also indicated that regular game time at Mamelodi Sundowns will be crucial for Zwane to regain his sharpness.
Since returning from injury, the playmaker has mostly featured in short substitute appearances for the Brazilians.
“I cannot decide about that, but I hope he gets more playing time at Sundowns because he needs that rhythm of the game,” said Broos.
“We saw a few moments when he was a little bit too slow, and that is because he does not play enough.”
Highly valued
Despite that, the Bafana coach made it clear that Zwane’s experience and quality remain highly valued within the national set-up.
“If Themba stays like he is now – fit and without injuries – then even if he is not ready for 90 minutes, he will be with us at the World Cup,” Broos said.
South Africa will meet Panama again at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday as Broos continues to fine-tune his squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
According to the latest FIFA rankings, Panama are ranked 33rd in the world, while South Africa are in 60th spot.
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