Themba Zwane is an elite footballer. When he is on the field, either for Mamelodi Sundowns or Bafana Bafana, you know some magic is in store. So highly rated and adored by the football-loving public that the mere mention of his name on social media evokes animated debate, with some recalling moments of individual brilliance he served up in this or that match, and others going as far as comparing him to legends of South African football who have long retired. If that is not a true sign of a legend in the making, then we don't know what is. The kid who made his debut for the Brazilians back in 2011 is now a veteran, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations that is currently underway in Cote d'Ivoire, where Hugo Broos' men are eyeing gold, despite having lost the opening game against Mali on Tuesday. Courtesy of the Tembisa-born star's personal sponsors PUMA, Soccer Laduma had an opportunity to talk to Zwane about the tournament, how he manages to stay on top of his game and his new role at club level, among other topics.
Soccer Laduma: Themba, thank you so much for your time as we know how busy your schedule must be being part of the squad representing Bafana Bafana at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations out in Cote d'Ivoire. What is the attraction to playing in the tournament?
Themba Zwane: It's a great feeling to get an opportunity to compete against top-level players to test my abilities and learn from them.
SL: Talking about competing against top-level players, who are you most looking forward to playing against at the African showpiece?
TZ: Mohamed Salah. He's currently the best African player.
SL: A year ago, did you see yourself in the current Bafana Bafana squad going to Ivory Coast?
TZ: Yes, I'm a very positive-minded person. Once I have a vision, I work hard to achieve it.
SL: You've been one of the most consistent performers in the league. How do you do it?
TZ: I always take time to consult with team analysts to check my tactical and fitness levels. They'll give me a report on which areas I need to attack more based on my heat maps. Do I need to rest or add an extra training session? Is it endurance or strengthening I should focus on? It takes time, but the results have been amazing.
SL: What qualities does it take to be an elite player in your position?
TZ: I play as a 10. You must be tactically and technically sound. The emphasis is on scanning the opposition to create space for yourself, so you need an excellent first touch and quick thinking to change direction and initiate attacks. You need to be able to play between the lines and in very tight spaces.
SL: A lot is always expected from you, whether at club or national team level. How do you manage the weight of expectations on your shoulders?
TZ: I always do my best without complaints and expectations. I don't doubt my abilities as a footballer; hence you'll see me in a calm state all the time.
SL: When you watch football live or on TV, do you relax and enjoy the game or are you working?
TZ: I always watch to learn. As a player, the main priority is to master your position and find means to counter the opposition's trickery.
SL: You say you always watch to learn. So, what area of your game do you feel still needs to improve?
TZ: This past year, I worked hard in getting into the box more. I did that, found myself in promising attacking areas. I need to be more clinical in front of goals.
SL: Many footballers across the world head for Europe to grow their careers, but what are the pros and cons?
TZ: It depends on individual players' ambitions. Yes, Europe offers the highest level of competition because the majority of their leagues and competitions are of a very high standard and demand a lot from players. Having said that, we have seen the quality of African football in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and African Football League that we are not far off. Our leagues are also improving.
SL: We see a number of promising talents that are sometimes never fulfilled. What's your advice to the younger players on longevity and consistency?
TZ: They must focus on their craft and use every tool available to them to make a career out of football.
SL: Back to Afcon. What are your impressions of the home nation, who played Bafana in October last year and won their opening game against Guinea-Bissau convincingly last Saturday?
TZ: Ivory Coast is very good team, with big-name players with lots of experience. A very tactical team with physical presence, they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Striker Sebastian Haller is top quality, no doubt, but we focus on team strategies.
SL: As for Bafana, what are the strengths that you feel the team possesses?
TZ: We are a young, energetic team with potential to do great things. We want to do well for our people.
SL: Now to club football. What do you think of Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the DStv Premiership?
TZ: Sundowns' culture is to win and dominate in all competitions we compete in. We want to set high standards wherever we play.
SL: How did winning the inaugural African Football League feel, after failing to win the CAF Champions League again since 2016?
TZ: The feeling was amazing. However, the CAF Champions League is a different animal altogether, but we are on the right track.
SL: How are you taking to your new role, with coach Rhulani Mokwena managing your legs because of your age and the busy schedule the club has?
TZ: Looking at our match and travel schedule, I understand the coach's thinking. He's managing my time so that I can be in a better position to help the team. I don't complain, I share the team's vision.
SL: What makes "Mshishi" so special that, despite the talent and quality at Sundowns, your absence is always felt?
TZ: I'm not special, I work hard and intelligently. I make sure I fully understand all my roles in possession of the ball and off it. In that way, I'm always involved in the game.
SL: Which boots do you play in?
TZ: I'm a PUMA Future player. I love the design; it's made for creative players like me. I love the different colours I have gotten to wear this year and I'm excitedly looking forward to what the new year brings.
SL: One more question before we let you go. The nation holds its breath and has waited a long time for the 1996 success to be replicated. With that in mind, do you have any message to South Africans and Bafana Bafana supporters?
TZ: When we put on the national team shirt, we do that with pride. We represent our proud nation, and we'll do our best to make them proud.
He can still play until he is 37
Roger Feutmba – Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder
"Themba has contributed greatly to the growth of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. The impact he has, not just on Sundowns but South African football at large, is huge. His contribution is massive! He's doing very well and ranks among the players who have given a lot to Sundowns and the country's football fraternity. I think because of the challenge of playing for Sundowns, who are involved in so many fronts – they are playing the CAF Champions League, they have to win everything domestically, he's also involved in the national team and is someone a lot of players look up to – it becomes really hectic for anyone to manage, especially at his age. I need to commend him because for him to be able to deal with all those challenges and still be able to continue with his great performances, it means he is somebody who takes great care of himself. Many soccer players have to look at him for inspiration and understand that being a professional footballer who wants to be great, there is a lot of sacrifices that you have to make along the way. Everyone can see that Themba takes care of himself and he is a disciplined player on and off the field. That's why he continues to be so consistent even at 34, doing so well for both the team and the country. Like I said, it takes a lot of discipline and dedication to achieve what Zwane has done so far. Sundowns need to look for younger players in his position to try and get them to learn as much as they can from him while he is still playing. With age, they will obviously have to manage him and that's where a good replacement will come in so that they don't overwork him. I believe he can still play until he is 37 if he wants to and it will all depend on the motivation and hunger that he still has to continue playing football. I believe he still has a big role to play not just at Sundowns but Bafana as well because he is a true professional."
