Teboho Mokoena Backs Themba Zwane to Be Bafana’s ‘Go-To Guy’ at World Cup

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena believes Themba Zwane is determined to prove he still has what it takes to be South Africa’s “go-to guy” at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.

Zwane, who missed the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco due to fitness issues, has endured a stop-start season with Mamelodi Sundowns, featuring in just 18 matches and starting only four. 

His limited game time coincided with the rise in form of Relebohile Mofokeng, who inspired Orlando Pirates to the Betway Premiership title.

'Connector' Zwane will be Invaluable 

Despite this, Mokoena insists, ‘connector’ Zwane’s experience and unique qualities remain invaluable. 

“He has played at the highest level, and a man of his experience can never be written off. Themba is a connector. His deft touches,  movement off the ball, ability to play in tight spaces, and link midfield to attack make him our best option going into the World Cup. He is fit, motivated, and desperate to show he can still be the main man in Hugo Broos’s team,” Mokoena told SportsBoom.co.za. 

The veteran midfielder, who turns 37 in August, came off the bench in stoppage time as Sundowns lifted the CAF Champions League trophy for the first time since 2016. 

“I’ve always enjoyed watching him in both the Bafana jersey and at Sundowns. He has a knack for scoring crucial goals and unlocking defences. I have heard the argument about the lack of minutes at Mamelodi Sundowns, but I believe that with him, we can control games better than with Mofokeng. He should not only be on the plane to the World Cup, but should start in one of the three places in the midfield positions,” Mokoena added.

Mofokeng, just 21, has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 35 appearances. He is a strong contender for the Betway Premiership Footballer of the Season award. 

Bafana Bafana Destined for Progress

Mokoena, remembered for his deflected goal against Paraguay in the 2002 World Cup, believes the current squad has the character to go further than his generation. 

“We need resilient players who can handle setbacks. Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph showed the character of South African players, and that will rub off on the national team. I expect them to dominate the national team, not only because they won the Champions League, but they faced many obstacles and despite the odds came up tops." 

He added that modern preparation gives the current squad an edge. 

“This group will go to the tournament better prepared, with all the technology available today. The key is to play our own game, without fear, and not try to reinvent ourselves in the tournament. We have the strength to qualify; the coach just needs to prepare well.”