Former Sundowns midfield man, Ernest Mtawali, shared his thoughts on the young Themba Zwane, a player many have touted as one for the future at Sundowns and Bafana. He also chatted about what Zwane brings to the team, the role he has to play at Downs and what he needs to do to become one of the best.
Soccer Laduma: What different dimension does Zwane bring to Sundowns?
Ernest Mtawali:I have known Themba since he was still young and I've seen him play at Sundowns. What he brings, which is different to the rest of the team, is that he can play in almost all positions in the midfield, as well as in striking force. He is a versatile player.
SL: Looking at the midfielders Sundowns have, does he really have an important role to play?
EM:Very much so. He brings a different touch to the game. His kind of attack is more direct and is very offensive, which creates problems for the opposition. You need such a player in the team.
SL: How tough is it for a young player to make the grade at a team like Sundowns?
EM:Sundowns has always been known for having top-class players, and for a young player to break through, they have to be exceptionally good. You need that inborn talent and skill to be excellent, and Themba has that.
SL: Last season, he was on loan at Aces. Do you think he did well enough to deserve a recall to the team?
EM:You remember he was first called up to the national team while he was there at Aces. Then the Sundowns technical team saw that they needed him for this season and he has shown that he can do it for them too.
SL: Do you think he is one for the future for Downs?
EM:Obviously. He has shown the true character of a fighter and that's what you need in a player. He is strong emotionally and works very hard at training, which you also need in a player. He is ready for the future and I think he has proven it.
SL: What should he do to become one of the best in the team?
EM:Just keep on working hard. He shouldn't give up and, when he is given the chance, he should grab it and use it in the best way to cement his place in the team.
SL: Legendthanks for your time.
EM: It is only my pleasure.
Hey guys what do you think of this extension of Themba Zwane's interview? We'd really like to hear from you.
Cheers.
VJ
