Why Mosimane & Zwane are so inseparable
Rugby
Podcasts & Videos
The Club House
Win
–>
Pitso Mosimane and Themba Zwane’s inseparable relationship is explained by the writer. Photo: Gallo Images
Home
Psl
SA National Teams
Why Mosimane & Zwane are so inseparable
Sep 30, 2026 – 09:28 am
By Thato Bosoga
After Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane selected Themba Zwane at the age of 37, the statistics could show why the veteran coach has shown loyalty to the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder.
“You don’t just choose because you want to choose right? You don’t choose Themba Zwane, who is 38 [37], just because I want to choose Themba Zwane, because he was playing for me at Sundowns. I have a reason why I chose Themba Zwane,” Mosimane said, in part when discussing his selection policy after he announced his final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
However, the 62-year-old coach and ‘Mshishi’ could not easily be inseparable, especially as Zwane was still in the national team prior to Mosimane succeeding former coach Hugo Broos, who also gave the Tembisa-born midfielder the benefit of the doubt in the final squad that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Out of 450 games for Sundowns, Zwane has played 50% (227) of those matches under ‘Jingles’, who gave him his big break at the star-studded side, after his return from Mpumalanga Black Aces on loan, ahead of the 2014/15 season.
The pair spent together a total of six seasons at The Brazilians that were prolific, winning four Betway Premiership titles (Zwane won four league titles, out of his nine under Mosimane), two Carling Knockout titles and one CAF Champions League and Super Cup trophies.
Did You Know?SuperSportBet is best for PSL and Springboks betting fans & mobile-first punters on prepaid data.
In all of these trophies Zwane played an influential role, notably winning the 2019/20 PSL Footballer of the Season, in his last campaign under the tutelage of Mosimane.
Interestingly, the experienced midfielder did not play under the former Al Ahly coach during his first spell at Bafana, after only making his debut in May 2014 under former coach Gordon Igesund, two years after the outspoken coach was relieved of his duties