Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns were dealt a massive blow last night during South Africa’s draw against the Republic of Congo.

The 35-year-old midfielder, Themba Zwane, left the field injured during the 1-1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Brazzaville. There was an immediate difference in South Africa’s attack when the highly experienced player was forced to leave the field.

This adds further concern for South Africa ahead of the away qualifier against Uganda and the home game against South Sudan next month. This is as the striker, Lyle Foster, sustained a knee injury during the 5-0 win against Congo on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Bafana Bafana coach, Hugh Broos, confirmed Zwane will spend a lengthy period on the sidelines. 

“Themba Zwane is a very important player for us,” said Broos about the player who captained South Africa when Ronwen Williams was recovering from surgery on his injured shoulder.

“It was not a good thing for us that Themba had to go out with an injury. It is a big injury, it is an Achilles tendon injury. I’m afraid he will be out for months.” 

Lyle Foster sustained a knee injury in Gqeberha. Photo: BackpagePix

“So, again, when you lose such an important player, it’s difficult, certainly in a game where you are dominated.

“It’s always difficult to lose such a player because Themba is someone who can keep the ball, who can give the last pass. So, he was not there and maybe that was also a reason why we didn’t play so well.”

Zwane has undergone scans in Brazzaville and he will be able to travel back to South Africa with the rest of the team. Bafana’s next Afcon qualifier is on 11 November against Uganda in Kampala.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg