Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane could miss up to six months of action.
The 35-year-old was injured during Bafana Bafana‘s draw against Congo Brazzaville in an away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played on Tuesday evening. Sports Physician Dr. Ntlopi Mogoru said the midfielder could take time to recover due to his age.
Themba Zwane was taken off in the 40th minute and it was later revealed that he tor his Achilles.
“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,” Mogoru was quoted by Times LIVE.
Themba Zwane to face six months on the sidelines
“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 it’s 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 fibres together,” he said.
“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. “
Themba Zwane has stayed away from injuries for the majority of his career. Last week, Mshishi celebrated his 50th cap for Bafana Bafana as they trashed Congo Brazzaville 5-0.
“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,” Mogoru concluded.
Who should replace Zwane at Bafana?
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