How Themba Zwane Became The Greatest South African Player In Caf Champions League
Tembisa-born playmaker Themba Zwane has earned legendary status in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament. In the ongoing 2022-23 Caf Champions League, Zwane’s contribution has propelled Mamelodi Sundowns to the knockout phase with two group matches still to play.
As a veteran attacking midfielder, Zwane will once again be crucial to Masandawana’s chances of progressing further. The team will rely on him to perform at his best as they strive to secure the much-coveted continental trophy for a second time. With Zwane in their ranks, the Sundowns will undoubtedly pose a strong challenge to their opponents and look to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
Compared To SA icon
Themba Zwane, at 33, has drawn comparisons to legendary SA footballer Doctor Khumalo and Benni McCarthy has joined the debate. Themba is considered the greatest South African player in Champions League history, due to his consistent performances over the years. GOAL has provided an explanation for why he has earned this title.
During a match against Al Ahly on March 11, a player nicknamed “Mshishi” scored his 15th goal in the tournament. This achievement tied him with his former teammate Surprise Moriri for the most goals scored by a PSL player in the competition since it began in 1964.
Most Goals
Themba Zwane, Mamelodi SundownsOn March 11th, Mshishi scored his 15th goal in the tournament during a match against Al Ahly. This puts him on par with his former Sundowns teammate, Surprise Moriri, for the highest number of goals scored by a player in the PSL competition since its inception in 1964.
Consistency
Since his debut in the Champions League in 2015, Zwane has consistently performed for Sundowns. The former Mpumalanga Black Aces player is a regular goalscorer and creator for the Tshwane giants in the competition, having scored an impressive 15 goals in 62 matches.
Team Success
Zwane played a crucial role in Sundowns’ success in the 2016 Champions League, under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane. He was also instrumental in helping the team secure the Caf Super Cup in 2017.
Thanks in part to Mshishi’s contributions, Masandawana are the only PSL club to have made it to the knockout phase of the tournament for five consecutive years, which is a remarkable achievement.
Personal Success
With his goal against Al Ahly, the Bafana Bafana international has now entered the top 25 on the list of all-time top scorers in the Caf Champions League.
In the 2018-19 season, Mshishi was the top scorer in the Champions League, which resulted in his nomination for the Caf Inter-Club Footballer of the Year award in 2019.
With 62 appearances in the competition, Mshishi holds the record for the most appearances made by a South African player in the tournament’s history.
Zwane, along with his Sundowns teammates, are gearing up to face Coton Sport of Cameroon in their final Group B match on March 31st.
Mshishi is expected to play a crucial role in helping Masandawana advance and win this season’s continental trophy. He will undoubtedly be eager to make a significant contribution to the team’s success.