Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why it makes sense for the club to give veteran midfielder Themba Zwane just a one-year extension on his deal at the club, rather than a longer contract.
Sundowns exercised the option in the Bafana Bafana international's contract, keeping him for another year at the club. At 35, Zwane remains one of Sundowns' key players and Mngqithi believes the one-year deal he has at the moment will push him to fight for an extension at the end of the season.
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A number of players who are into their 30s have no choice but to accept one-year contracts because clubs are not willing to take the risk of giving them long term deals. Mngqithi, though, feels that this works best because players will be forced to work hard to earn themselves new deals, instead of resting on their laurels.
"I think it's the right thing to do. Everybody is free to make his opinion, but I think it's the right thing to do. For players at that age, it's important to keep them on their toes. I don't think it necessarily means he will be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it's important that he knows that he has to fight for the next contract," Mngqithi said to media after the side's 1-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 on Sunday afternoon.
"I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing we can do for our football because most of the seniors want to get a four-year contract because they are looking for retirement and you want them to perform every week. I think it's a good thing and Mshishi is the right player for that because he is very professional. He will work very hard, he will know that he cannot sit on his laurels and I am confident he will do well."
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Zwane came on as a substitute in Sundowns' victory over Rise and Shine, with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos watching from the stands at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The midfielder remains a key player for both his club and the national team and it's evident in how determined he was to lead Sundowns to victory against City that his desire to play the game has not diminished.
