Could Mshishi transform Kaizer Chiefs? Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane will be free to speak to other clubs when his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns expires at the end of the season. Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Anyone who follows South African football knows that Themba Zwane’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns expires on June 30, 2025. Arguably the most gifted player in the local game, he will soon have the freedom to choose his next move.
And, clubs will no doubt be lining up to speak to him should Sundowns decide to move on from their maestro, who has one of the best careers in the history of South African football to date.
One of those clubs who should be near the front of the queue is Kaizer Chiefs, whose young squad is desperate for an experienced senior head to guide the kids. If not, then they must be prepared for another year of inconsistency.
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You see, Chiefs have a lot of potential. They often create more chances than their opponents, but struggle to put them away. And when the tough gets going, their big names tend to disappear, leaving the kids having to fend for themselves.
The likes of Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba have shown that they will have exciting futures, but they cannot be burdened with carrying the team on their shoulders. And while Gaston Sirino has had his moments of brilliance in the season, his actions on Tuesday night showed that he’s not a player the club can depend on when the pressure is on.
With Chiefs trailing 3-1 against SuperSport United, Sirino, who was already on a caution, was shown a second yellow card for dissent in the 69th minute of the game. Down to 10 men, they would go on to lose 4-1.
Chiefs need a new man, and his name is Themba Zwane. Sure, he will be turning 36 next August, but he’s yet to show any signs of slowing down. He can even go on to have the kind of impact the late John “Shoes” Moshoeu had on the club when he joined at the age of 37 in 2002.
Shoes’ ability to pull the strings and create chances while keeping the fans on their feet saw Abafana Bokuthula Noxolo win back-to-back league titles in 2003/04 and 2004/05.
Mshishi can have a similar impact while providing much-needed leadership. Having already won everything there is on offer in the colours of Sundowns, Zwane could be tempted to try to make Kaizer Chiefs great again.
If Kaizer Chiefs are serious about rebuilding into a championship-winning team, they need more than just youthful promise — they need proven quality and leadership. And there are few players in South African football more capable of providing that than Mshishi.
At 36, he might not be a long-term solution, but his experience, composure, and footballing intelligence could bridge the gap between Chiefs' raw potential and real success. Just like Moshoeu before him, Zwane has the ability to elevate those around him and bring much-needed stability to a squad still searching for an identity.
For Zwane, the opportunity to cement his legacy beyond Sundowns awaits. For Chiefs, the chance to finally turn potential into trophies may rest on making this bold but necessary move.
IOL Sport
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