Mamelodi Sundowns’ captain Themba Zwane’s contract is set to run out at the end of this month and speculation is mounting over whether he will continue with the Brazilians in the 2024-25 campaign or follow Bongani Zungu out the door.
After confirming a new blockbuster contract extension for the national team captain Ronwen Williams last month, there were widespread expectations that the Brazilians’ skipper would be next in line to be offered new terms with the PSL champions. The 34-year-old’s current deal with Masandawana is set to expire at the end of June and despite ongoing negotiations between the club and the player’s entourage, it appears that there is still no definitive answer around whether the star midfielder will remain at Loftus Versfeld Stadium beyond the 2023-24 season.
Sundowns boss confirms player departures
In a recent interview with PowerFM, Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena lifted the lid on the players who will be departing the Brazilians this month, confirming that both Brian Onyago and the unregistered Abubeker Nasir had played their last match in the famous yellow and green jersey.
Sundowns have been in ongoing talks with Zwane’s representatives for several weeks about new terms for the star midfielder, but there has been no indication that a definitive outcome is forthcoming with only days left until the 34-year-old’s current contract with the club is set to expire.
Zwane’s agent Jazzman Mahlakgane did, however, reveal that discussions between the two parties were underway, but chose not to divulge any details of said negotiations, and instead, urged that those looking for official updates on the current situation should direct their inquiries to the club.
In his response, Mahlakgane stated, “I’m not here to speculate on who stays or leaves. Our side has done what’s necessary. For further details, contact Sundowns.”
What next for Sundowns skipper Themba Zwane?
If a new contract comes to fruition for Zwane, it could mean that the Tembisa-born star’s incredible career will end at the club that he joined in 2011, where he amassed an impressive trophy cabinet, winning every domestic accolade possible with his team over the past decade and a bit.
Moreover, the midfielder has also achieved significant success on the continental stage, earning the CAF Champions League title in 2016, as well as Super Cup and Africa Football League triumphs, before playing a pivotal role in the national side that came third at the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year.
Zwane’s importance in the Sundowns camp has also increased notably since he was handed the captain’s armband, but following the cryptic remarks of his agent, combined with the lengthy negotiation process in getting a deal finalised, fans and pundits alike are left to speculate about his future and the possibility that he could pursue a new challenge elsewhere next season.
