Themba Zwane Once Told by Bafana Bafana Coach to Trade Mamelodi Sundowns for Soweto Giants

• Themba Zwane has been playing at Mamelodi Sundowns since the age of 20
• 'Mshishi' has discussed how a coaching legend urged him to move to Soweto
• Zwane's attention is on South Africa's AFCON 2023 Group E tie with Namibia

With options aplenty, picking the right one seems like a gamble.

Themba Zwane was on Mamelodi Sundowns' books when he was farmed out to Mpumalanga Black Aces to gain experience and game time.

In the province's picturesque hills, he would be under the tutelage of a South African legend and still the only Bafana Bafana coach to lift the Africa Cup of Nations.

As Zwane prepares for two matches that could define his legacy in South African colours, memories of his early promise are recalled.

Mshishi said Clive Barker noticed his potential at Aces and claims the late coach used to call him 'Doctor' in training due to his playing similarities to Doctor Khumalo.

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Zwane credits Barker with giving him the courage to go back to Sundowns and earn his spot in their squad. He also shared a cheeky line that suggests Barker may have wanted to see him in Soweto. SoccerLaduma relayed:

"He's the guy that gave me confidence because he believed in me and he pushed me. He said 'If Sundowns don't want you, you should go to Pirates or Chiefs.' I told him, I'm going back home."

Hugo Broos was quoted by Goal as saying that he left Zwane out of his early Bafana Bafana squads because he wasn't sure if he would be productive.

South Africa has been desperately short of creative spark in front of goal, and Sunday night's decisive match against Namibia would be the perfect time to prove Broos did not make an error in judgement.

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Bafana Bafana ratings vs Mali

Sports Brief also previously analysed how each area of the Bafana Bafana team performed against Mali.

Hugo Broos' players showed glimpses of potential that will need to be improved upon against Namibia.

Themba Zwane has been hailed as a creative lynchpin and will need to step up to South Africa's drought.