Despite his contributions last season, Mshishi was rewarded with a season-long deal with the PSL heavyweights.
Mamelodi Sundowns recently confirmed they have extended legendary midfielder Themba Zwane's contract by a year.
The South Africa international has been serving Masandawana since 2011, and despite being 35, he has shown no signs of slowing down. His last contract with the Premier Soccer League champions concluded at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, but the Brazilians opted to add him for another year.
Some critics feel Zwane deserved more, but coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained the logic behind the decision.
Zwane has to fight for a new contract
The former AmaZulu tactician says everybody is entitled to have his opinion, but that was the right decision by the involved parties.
“For players at that age, it is important to keep them on their toes,” the 53-year-old said in his most recent interview with the media.
“I don’t think it necessarily means he will be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it’s important that he knows he has to fight for the next contract.
“I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing we can do for our football. Because most of these senior players want to get a four-year contract because they know they are looking at retirement and you want them to perform every week,” Mngqithi continued.
“I think it’s a good thing and I think Mshishi is the right player for that. He’s a very professional boy, he will work very hard, he knows he can’t sit on his laurels, he has to give it his best shot and I’m very confident he will do very well,” he concluded.”
What has Zwane achieved at Downs?
In the 2023/24 season, Mshishi played a total of 41 games for his club across all competitions with a return of two goals and four assists. He was vital for Masandawana who ended up defending their league crown as well as winning the inaugural African Football League.
During his stay at Sundowns, the Bafana Bafana star has won 18 major titles including nine Premier Soccer League titles, Caf Champions League, Caf Super Cup, African Football league, three Nedbank Cups and the MTN8.
It is interesting to see whether he will be used effectively after Rulani Mokwena's exit; last weekend, he was introduced in the 60th minute as Downs went on to beat Polokwane City 1-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final fixture.
