What Sundowns Cardoso told Zwane before signing

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Mamelodi Sundowns maestro Themba Zwane has been back after a six-month Achilles tendon injury. What was the conversation with coach Miguel Cardoso before the Tembisa-born legend signed a new deal?

THEMBA ZWANE’S CHAT WITH COACH MIGUEL CARDOSO

A Portuguese coach named Miguel Cardoso arrived at Chloorkop in December 2024. That same period was when the Sundowns legend Zwane was nursing his injury. With the likes of Lucas Ribeiro creating magic in his position, Zwane was facing the end of his contract in June.

‘I always stay positive, and when the coach arrived, I just tried to understand what he wanted from me because we had some chats when he arrived,” said Zwane.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso after beating Orlando Pirates 4-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Image: SABC Sport

“And he said to me; ‘We will wait for you to come back,’ and then we will decide where you are comfortable to play, and for me, it was more than enough to understand what he wants from me, and my job was to come back stronger and try to fight for the position in the team.”

In the meantime, Zwane is expected to lead Sundowns in this Saturday’s CAF Champions League final against Pyramids at Loftus Versfeld. The game is set to start at 15:00.

The month of June will see Kabo Yellow travel to the FIFA World Cup in the United States of America. Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea’s Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense.

Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA.
Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA.
Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA.