Themba Zwane has joined the South African senior national football squad in preparation for their upcoming matches against Sierra Leone and Botswana on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, at the FNB Stadium.
Mshishi last played for the national team in 2020 against Sao Tome and Principe. He scored twice as South Africa defeated Sao Tome 4-2 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a 2021 Afcon qualifying match.
This is the first call-up for the 33-year-old maestro since Hugo Broos took over as South Africa’s head coach in 2021. The former footballer of the season has always shown a willingness to join Bafana Bafana if selected, and his inclusion in the squad demonstrates that he is still one of the country’s most highly regarded midfielders. Zwane was ecstatic to have been selected for the national team’s upcoming friendly matches, as he stated:
“I am very thrilled and honored to be a member of the national squad, since it is always an honor to play for my country,” Zwane said. Masandawana fans and coaches believe the call-up is well-deserved. I would also like to tip my hat to [Coach] Hugo Broos because it is one thing to be stubborn as a coach, but it takes amazing leadership to be able to correct a specific narrative.”
Zwane is no stranger to the national setup and will reunite with colleagues Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Rushine De Reuck, Aubrey Modiba, and Teboho Mokoena, who have all received national call-ups. The National Team doctors have withdrawn Terrence Mashego, who made his debut for The Brazilians on Sunday, due to an injury.
Bafana Bafana will play against Sierra Leone on September 24 and Botswana on September 27, both at the FNB Stadium. Both games will begin at 15H00.