Pitso Mosimane plays Themba Zwane in a new position

Themba Zwane was introduced for the final 11 minutes as South Africa comfortably saw out the AFCON 2027 qualifier in Cairo.

However, Mosimane explained after the match that the decision was largely forced by a shortage of experienced central midfielders.

PITSO MOSIMANE EXPLAINS THEMBA ZWANE ROLE

Mosimane revealed that South Africa were short of options in the middle of the park against Egypt. It forced him to consider using Zwane in a deeper role.

“We are a little thin with the central midfielders against Egypt, so we had to bring Themba Zwane into midfield,” Mosimane said after the game. “I wanted to take Yaya (Sphephelo Sithole) off because he is the only experienced player we have left.”

The Bafana Bafana coach also highlighted the number of midfielders unavailable to him. “We don’t have Teboho (Mokoena). We don’t have (Thalente) Mbatha. We’ve lost Jayden (Adams), and we don’t have (Bathusi) Aubaas. It is really unfortunate for us.”

That left Sphephelo Sithole as the only experienced central midfield option available. According to Mosimane, Zwane was subsequently asked to fill a different role.

Also read: Bafana Bafana’s final four fixtures to qualify for AFCON 2027

THEMBA ZWANE’S QUIET CAMEO

There was little opportunity for Zwane to make a significant impact during his 11-minute appearance. Bafana Bafana were already firmly in control.

The 36-year-old finished with a 6.2 FotMob rating, recording just 5 touches but completing all 4 of his attempted passes for a perfect 100% pass accuracy.

Zwane did not register a shot, goal, assist or chance created, while his attacking numbers included 0.00 xG and 0.00 xA. Defensively, he recorded 0 tackles, 0 interceptions and 0 ball recoveries. He was not involved in any ground or aerial duels before the final whistle.

It was therefore a quiet cameo from Zwane, but his introduction highlighted the midfield selection headache facing Mosimane ahead of the next international assignment.

With Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams and Aubaas unavailable, the Bafana Bafana coach may need to continue finding creative solutions in central midfield.

WHO SHOULD PITSO MOSIMANE PICK IN THE FUTURE?

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