Mamelodi Sundowns Celebrate 3-0 Win, but Zwane’s Injury Clouds Victory
Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed their familiar position at the summit of the Betway Premiership. This is after a commanding 3-0 win over Magesi FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Kutlwano Letlhaku and a brace from Iqraam Rayners sealed the victory for Masandawana. They have now gone six matches unbeaten in the league.
While the champions celebrated their return to the top, the mood was dampened by a fresh injury concern for veteran midfielder Themba Zwane.
Themba Zwane’s Return Cut Short
Having been sidelined since mid-August with a thigh injury sustained in the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Orlando Pirates, the 36-year-old made his much-anticipated return on Sunday. Zwane was brought on in the 64th minute to replace Tashreeq Matthews. However, it lasted less than 20 minutes before limping off the field and heading straight to the changeroom.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that the injury appeared to be unrelated to his previous setback. “Let’s see what happened, as I understand from the doctor, it’s not the same thing he had before. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious,” he told SuperSport after the match.
Cardoso added that Zwane had been medically cleared to play and that the technical team had been careful to limit his minutes alongside other returning players such as Thapelo Maseko and Siyabonga Mabena.
Also read: Cardoso Believes Mamelodi Sundowns Youngster Mabena Is Ready to Evolve
Injury Concerns Mount for Masandawana
This latest blow comes at a crucial stage of the season as Sundowns prepare for a congested fixture list. Cardoso acknowledged the challenge, saying, “We play in half of the week. We have seven, six matches to play until the end of the month. We can do it the right way or not the right way, then we can be penalised.”
The coach expressed optimism about Zwane’s recovery, suggesting it could be a minor muscle issue rather than a serious knee problem. “Our expectations are that he will be important for us, but unfortunately, he had a muscle injury that took him out for one month. I don’t think it is a knee injury. If it is a small thing that comes from muscle then let’s hope he will come back as quickly as possible,” he said.
Upcoming Challenges Await
Sundowns will have little time to dwell on Zwane’s setback. They travel to face Marumo Gallants at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday evening before hosting Durban City on Saturday. With the team fighting on multiple fronts, squad depth and player rotation will be crucial.
Cardoso may be forced to call upon other midfield options to keep the momentum going. The 3-0 result against Magesi highlighted the attacking depth in the squad, with Rayners continuing his excellent scoring run and Letlhaku opening the scoring early on.
Also read: Themba Zwane Out for Two Months: Sundowns and Bafana Bafana Face Setback
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Title Charge Rolls On
Despite the disappointment surrounding Zwane’s early exit, the champions continue to look formidable as they chase a record-extending league title. Their ability to grind out results and remain focused despite injury setbacks will be key as they navigate a busy September schedule.
For Sundowns supporters, all eyes will be on the club’s medical updates in the coming days, with hopes that their captain and talisman will not face another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
