Here's when Sundowns and Bafana Bafana can have Themba Zwane back

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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso once again gave an injury update on Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane.

In October last year, the 35-year-old midfielder sustained an Achilles injury while on international duty. “Mshishi” had to leave the field during Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Congo Brazzaville. As a result of his injury, the veteran midfielder was sidelined for up to five months.

Cardoso said that Mshishi should return before the end of the season.

“For sure Themba will recover in time, not only for the World Cup but also to play before [the season ends],” said Cardoso.

Themba Zwane has not played for Sundowns in four months

“So, we have an expectation that he can recover with Mothobi [Mvala], Divine [Lunga] and [Khuliso] Mudau in different steps but he will come back much sooner than that [in June].

“Let’s hope…because there’s one thing about physical recovery to play football but another thing is recover to perform, that’s another step.”

Zwane has been more influential for Bafana than he has been for Sundowns in the past two years. Under Hugo Broos, Mshishi has been influential in the middle of the park but is unlikely to feature in next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“One thing is he’s able to train but until he’s able to perform, that’s another way or more steps to do. We should also understand that,” Cardoso added.

“It’s not the same as Mudau who’s out for one month or Divine who’s out for three weeks. For Themba, it’s been months so the process will take longer.

“But he’s working very good, that’s what I’m demanding from them. Let’s hope that he can play before the World Cup.”

The FIFA Club World Cup is in June and by then Themba Zwane would have played in a few matches for Sundowns. Mshishi is more likely to return in April.