Why was Themba Zwane left out in the CAF Championships League Final
Sports SoccerPosted by admin on 2025-06-02 18:07:46 | Last Updated by admin on 2025-10-07 03:55:14
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In a press conference held afterthe conclusion of the CAF Championships League final, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has responded to a question on why he left out his most experienced player, Themba Zwane, from both legs of the 2025 CAF Champions League final.
The Tshwane giants ultimately lost 3-2 on aggregate 2-1 in the second-leg at the hands of Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
The first-leg in Pretoria had ended in a 1-1 draw, with a late Walid El Karti goal getting Pyramids a crucial away goal at Loftus Stadium. In Sunday’s decisive second-leg, Pyramids capitalised early in the first-half through Fiston Mayele, following a defensive error by Grant Kekana. They extended their lead in the 56th minute with a goal from Ahmed Samy.
While Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for Sundowns in the 75th minute, it proved to be not enough. This result means Cardoso has now overseen two consecutive CAF Champions League final losses.
When asked why he never considered the Bafana Bafana veteran midfielder, Zwane, Cardoso stated that the 2016 Champions League winners Sundowns have “too many quality players”. In the previous match, he had explained that the team required midfield balance, and he couldn’t risk introducing the player.
