Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has cast doubt over Themba Zwane’s international future following his latest squad announcement.
The experienced midfielder could be approaching the end of his national team career.
Zwane, popularly known as Mshishi, recently featured against Eritrea and Egypt. However, his involvement with Mamelodi Sundowns has become increasingly limited.
The 37-year-old’s lack of regular playing time has raised concerns about his international prospects.
Those concerns became more significant on Thursday. Mosimane unveiled his 27-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Kenya.
Notably, Zwane’s name was missing from the selection.
Mosimane explains emotional decision to drop Zwane
Mosimane admitted that leaving out one of Bafana’s most experienced players was particularly difficult.
He also expressed disappointment about how Zwane’s previous international appearance ended. The midfielder received a red card against Mexico during the FIFA World Cup.
The coach revealed that he never wanted that moment to become Zwane’s final appearance.
“It was emotional, it was not an easy decision, I had to drop Mshishi,” Mosimane said.
“This is a national team; it’s about emotions, right? It’s about doing what you think is right.”
Despite his omission, Zwane remains an influential figure within the national team setup.
Mosimane revealed that the midfielder regularly shares valuable knowledge about younger teammates. His understanding of their abilities has helped the coach make important decisions.
“He’s also my coach, by the way, Mshishi. He helps me with these boys to say, coach, this one’s strength is this.”
“So, I have left the coach behind now,” he added.
The comments highlighted Zwane’s importance beyond his contributions on the pitch.
Lyle Foster recall adds to Mosimane’s selection explanation
Mosimane also defended his decision to bring Lyle Foster back into the squad.
The striker has recently faced criticism following his struggles with form. However, the Bafana coach believes his previous contributions deserve recognition.
He questioned whether Foster’s difficult spell justified abandoning the striker.
“But I also have to say, are we burying Lyle? Is Lyle 35 years old? Is Lyle not a good player anymore?”
“We mustn’t forget who scored for us to qualify for the AFCON. This thing is not just about the talent, it’s emotional and I had to phone Mshishi.”
Mosimane also confirmed that he personally contacted Zwane before announcing the decision.
According to the coach, the midfielder accepted the news professionally. Zwane also supported Foster’s return, recognising the striker’s qualities inside the penalty area.
“Yes, I called him, he took it well, he’s professional and said no problem coach, let’s give Lyle, he’s strong in the box and he can score for us.”
Although Mosimane has not officially announced Zwane’s international retirement, his comments suggest a possible changing of the guard.
For now, the midfielder’s absence raises fresh questions about his Bafana Bafana future.
The post Pitso Mosimane hints at Themba Zwane’s Bafana Bafana retirement appeared first on iHarare News.
