Recently, legendary Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane might miss up to six months of action after sustaining an injury against Congo on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old was stretched off the field in the 40th minute after suffering an Achilles injury in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that eventually ended 1-1.
Sports physician Dr Ntlopi Mogoru has now stated the midfielder might miss just six weeks of action only if the injury suffered is not as serious as it is anticipated.
‘With Zwane's age, it is going to be a big issue‘
“They need to grade it, and that means they must establish its severity. I don’t know if he’s had this type of injury before but with his age, it is going to be a big issue. If it is a grade one or two, he may need to rest for the next six weeks to two months,” he said as quoted by Times LIVE.
“Anything up to grade four will need an operation because they must stitch the tendon to facilitate the healing process. There you are looking at up to four to six months, including rehabilitation. If its grade one or two, it will be six weeks to two months because they will need to rest the leg for a particular period in the moon boot to keep the fibers together.
“After the moon boot, he will get sauna while doing upper body exercises and if they are happy with his progress, he must start jogging and running slowly to build up. That is two months minimum. If it needs an operation, he is going to be out for three to four months.
“It is a serious injury because the tendon supports the ankle from behind and if it goes off it is a serious problem. If it is a complete tear, we are looking at about four to six months and that is the worst-case scenario.”
When will Zwane know his fate?
According to Mogoru, Mshishi will have to undergo the necessary tests before the damage is fully known.
“Our chief medical officer at the South African Football Association, Dr Thulani Ngwenya, has been in communication with Sundowns, and has kept their medical team appraised every step of the way,” Mogoru added.
“Upon arrival in South Africa, all the necessary processes will be made available for Themba [Zwane].
Zwane will now miss the final Afcon qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan respectively. He will also miss some massive games for his club Masandawana.
