Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has justified the club’s decision to hand Themba Zwane one year contract extension.
The 35-year-old has been with Masandawana for 13 years winning more than 15 trophies with the Pretoria based club. Having captain the club last season, many fans were expecting the club to extent the star’s contract by two or three years.
Mngqithi, who recently took over as head coach, explained why Sundowns gave Zwane a one-year deal.
“I think it’s the right thing to do [giving Zwane a one-year deal]. Everybody is free to make his opinion, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” Mngqithi said as per KickOff.
“For players at that age, it’s important to keep them on their toes. I don’t think it necessarily means he will be out of the club after one year, but for him to stay sharp, it’s important that he knows that he has to fight for the next contract.”
Mngqithi on why Zwane was handed a one-year deal
“I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing we can do for our football because most of the seniors want to get a four-year contract because they are looking for retirement and you want them to perform every week,” said the Sundowns coach.
Mngqithi opted to start Zwane from the bench when Sundows played Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final. The midfielder came on in the second half as Downs won the match 1-0 after extra-time.
“I think it’s a good thing and Mshishi is the right player for that because he is very professional,” Mngqithi added. He will work very hard, he will know that he cannot sit on his laurels and I am confident he will do well.”
Should Themba Zwane look for another team in January?
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