Themba Zwane on facing Stellenbosch

Themba Zwane on facing Stellenbosch

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has given his thoughts on what could transpire when his side welcome Stellenbosch at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.

Sundowns have already won the first Q-innovation with a game in hand.

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Nonetheless, Zwane is convinced their match against Stellenbosch won’t be an easy one because of the pace Stellies have in front.

“To be honest it’s going to be a difficult game. Is that game where Stellenbosch will be looking to use their pace in front,” he stated.

“They are going to sit back and try to catch us on a counter-attack. Obviously, as a team, we know what to do. Take care of the ball, try to manage the game very well, and take our chances.

THEMBA ZWANE WARY OF STELLIES QUALITY

Mshishi, as he is affectionately known, has insisted that Iqraam Rayners could cause damage upfront, and he describes him as Stellies main player currently. The 27-year-old scored 15 goals in all competitions for Stellies last season.

“They have the likes of Rayners up front. That’s the guy they use a lot, give him balls and try to use his pace. He’s got technique and he’s their main player now.”

Stellenbosch has already begun life after the departure of Sibongiseni Mthethwa who joined Kaizer Chiefs on a three-year deal. Mthethwa was one of the key players for Steve Barker at Stellies. However, Zwane believes the departure of Mthethwa won’t weaken Stellenbosch.

“If you check the way coach Steve Barker does things, he always has someone similar to the player that has left.

“I mean he has a lot of players that are quick and aggressive on the ball. That’s what makes it difficult to play against Stellenbosch,” said Zwane.

Masandawana are currently on top of DStv Premiership log standings meanwhile, Stellenbosch are in 13th position. Both teams have played seven matches.

By Katleho Hlalele

Broos feels the absence of Themba Zwane in Bafana squad

Broos feels the absence of Themba Zwane in Bafana squad

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that Themba Zwane’s absence in their international friendly goalless draw against Namibia has affected his side.

Zwane, along with his club teammate Teboho Mokoena as well as Eredivisie side, Volendam midfielder Luke Le Roux were withdrawn from the 23-man squad due to injuries last week.

Mshishi, as Zwane is known in the football circle, picked up an injury during Sundowns’ MTN8 semi-finals first leg against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium last week.

And with another Bafana fixture to be played in the next two days, it’s obvious that Broos will be without the midfield maestro as he is expected to spend at least a month nursing his injury.

Hugo Broos feels the absence of Themba Zwane in Bafana Bafana squad
Bafana Bafana starting XI against Namibia

HUGO BROOS ADMITS THEMBA ZWANE WAS MISSED

Zwane’s absence was clearly felt during the 0-0 home draw against the Brave Warriors, that’s according to the Belgian tactician.

Speaking after the match, Broos insisted that Bafana should have been able to break down the Warriors without Zwane. But conceded his side missed the Sundowns star.

“I think that was a little bit of a problem in the first half. So the number 18 of Namibia was always free, we didn’t have a real number nine like Themba Zwane. We miss that kind of player,” Broos told Journalists.

HUGO BROOS’ BAFANA BAFANA HELD TO A DRAW

“But okay, Themba was not there, we made a choice and the second half was better. We were closer to them, we were higher as well. And the space for Namibia was not so big anymore like in the first half.

The next Bafana Bafana assessment will be against DR Congo on Tuesday, 12 at the Orlando Stadium. The match is scheduled for 17h00.

By Clifton Mabasa

Zwane and Sundowns fined for misconduct

Zwane and Sundowns fined for misconduct

DStv Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and their captain Themba Zwane have finally been fined by the PSL Disciplinary Committee. This is due to the incident that took place at their MTN8 match against Moroka Swallows.

Zwane received a yellow card for time-wasting after stepping out of their center circle to greet the yellow nation in spite of the referee had blown his whistle to start the match.

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On Thursday, the PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu claimed that Zwane and his team pleaded guilty and were penalized with an overall amount of R70 000 but half of it is suspended.

“I confirm that early this morning Mr. Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns football club as well as his employer Mamelodi Sundowns appeared before the PSL DC to answer to charges of misconduct,” says Majavu.

Themba Zwane and Mamelodi Sundowns fined by PSL for misconduct
Mamelodi Sundowns

“Having been duly charged by myself as a prosecutor arising from an incident in the MTN Cup competition. Mr. Zwane and some of his fellow players delayed the kickoff of the match by approximately three minutes.

“This is in instances where the referee signaled the start of the match. He particularly went to the center circle and joined his colleagues to greet their fans.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND THEMBA ZWANE FINED BY THE PSL

That type of conduct is a violation of the league’s prescripts; hence it constitutes misconduct. Having been duly charged they appeared before the DC this morning at which point, they both pleaded guilty as charged.

The league DC accepted the guilty plea and having listened to the address in aggravation by myself as a prosecutor and also by addressing mitigation by the legal representatives of the respondents. In our absence, the PSL DC deliberated over the matter and returned with the following ruling:

“One with regard to Mr. Zwane, he was fined a monetary amount of R20 000, half of which is suspended for a period of 12 months on condition that during the period of suspension, he’s not found guilty of the same offense again.

“With regard to his employer Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, they were fined a monetary fine of R50 000. Half of which he suspended on the same terms. Effectively between Mr. Zwane and Mamelodi Sundowns, they have to pay a cumulative amount of R35 000.”

The match between Sundowns and Swallows ended with 1-0 to Sundowns from a goal that was scored by Themba Zwane in the second half. Sundowns will face Chiefs in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Furthermore, Sundowns have further been directed to send a written apology to the league and the sponsors.

By Katleho Hlalele

Themba Zwane advices payers to use live TV to their advantage

Themba Zwane advices payers to use live TV to their advantage

Following a successful opening to the DStv-sponsored Philly’s Games in Tembisa yesterday, tournament ambassador, Themba Zwane has reflected on the importance of having such competitions shown live on Television.

Themba Zwane, who has grown into a household name in the DStv Premiership is a product of this tournament. He also believes the tournament has entered an entirely new and improved stage, thanks to its partnership with DStv.

The Tembisa-born star says he was fortunate to have been scouted there. But he reckons that a lot of talent goes unnoticed because there are no such partnerships and support that affords talent an opportunity to be seen on TV.

THEMBA ZWANE’S TAKE

“When we were playing in this tournament, we hoped and prayed that there would be a scout from a big club that sees our talent,” said Zwane.

“You would sometimes have a good game but be unfortunate not to have a scout present on that day. However, now that the games are live on SuperSport, fans, coaches and scouts can see talent from wherever they are in the country,” he said.

“Mshishi”, as the midfielder is affectionately known from his playing days at the Philly’s Games adds that apart from entertaining the fans and viewers at home, players need to use the SuperSport platform to their advantage because the live games means that scouts from outside of Gauteng will now be seeing their talent.

Themba Zwane at Mamelodi Sundowns
Themba Zwane at Mamelodi Sundowns

“This partnership provides great entertainment for fans across the country. But more importantly for me now as a professional, it affords aspiring footballers the opportunity to be seen by clubs outside of Gauteng. Which really opens up opportunities for youngsters to maybe even play in the DStv Diski Challenge. Which is also a great stepping stone to professional football,” he concluded.

 PHILLY’S GAME GROWTH

The DStv-sponsored tournament also attracts record crowd attendance on a daily basis. It affords fans live entertainment throughout the festive season and through this DStv partnership. All matches are now live on SuperSport channel 202 and 209.

In addition to the 13-Days of live football action and entertainment, fans will be treated to exciting fan engagement competitions as part of the DStv #Kuzobamnandi festive season campaign.

2022/23 PHILLY’S GAMES FIXTURE DATES & VENUES:

Maseven Ivory – 19, 20 and 21 December

Etafuleni Ivory – 22, 23 and 24 December

Phomolong Sport Complex Tembisa – 26, 27 and 28 December

Esiqongweni ,Tembisa  – 29, 30 December and 1 January

Mehlareng, Tembisa 2 January (Final)

PRIZE MONIES:

1st Prize                               R200 000.00

2nd Prize                             R70 000.00

3rd Prize                              R20 000.00

4th Prize                              R10 000.00