Themba Zwane’s future at Mamelodi Sundowns is reportedly uncertain, and the Siya crew investigates what's going on behind the scenes regarding his contract renewal.
Zwane's Sundowns contract is reportedly set to expire in June this year, and Soccer Laduma had previously reported how the Brazilians were keen to extend his deal, particularly with the FIFA Club World Cup coming up after the domestic season ends.
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While initial talks regarding a renewal of Zwane's contract had begun, insiders close to Sundowns have now indicated why negotiations have stalled at the moment.
Sundowns and Zwane were notably in discussions even after he sustained his long-term injury, and a big injury late in any player's career often makes clubs extra cautious.
The insiders privy to information talk to the Siya crew about what has changed at Sundowns.
"Do you remember that the talks had started? Even after the injury they continued but at the moment they have stalled and it doesn't look good. They are in limbo though it doesn't mean it's over yet. It will depend on what goes on until the end of the season. But they wanted him to be part of the Club World Cup which happens as the contract comes to an end. It's a tricky situation but his future at the club seems to be coming to an end as things stand now," the Siya source stated.
A second insider believes that Sundowns are prioritising introducing younger players from their development structures and possibly signing promising talents, such as how they signed Jayden Adams.
"It's not like the club wants to throw him away. They could do it like Hlompho Kekana or Tiyani Mabunda while they bring in young players to take over from him. There are a number of youngsters from the DDC and other youth structures who the club want to introduce and with the downsizing of the squad in mind they would release experienced players and Mshishi could be one of them and that's what could affect his contract talks," the second insider told Soccer Laduma.
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The 35-year-old Zwane, along with goalkeeper Denis Onyango, remains one of the longest-serving players at Sundowns. Both were part of the squad that secured the 2016 CAF Champions League title under coach Pitso Mosimane.
The Siya crew will continue to monitor this story as it develops, and it remains to be seen if Sundowns eventually decide to renew Zwane's contract by a year so that he can at least participate in the World Cup. The insiders did hint that if Zwane shows management that he is still at his best toward the end of this campaign, then that alone should convince them to extend his contract.
Zwane is also a key player for Hugo Broos' South Africa team, and if Bafana qualify for USA 2026 then he's the kind of player the national team will look to, to make things happen in the final third.
