Manqoba Mngqithi has defended Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to only hand Themba Zwane a new one-year deal.
The veteran midfielder’s contract with the Brazilians was set to expire before he was handed an extension for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
With Zwane such an influential force for Sundowns last term, it was a shock to some that the Bafana Bafana star was only handed a one-year extension.
At 35 he is seemingly coming close to the end of his playing days, but if his form last season was anything to go by, than Zwane still has plenty to offer.
Mngqithi though revealed to the media: “I think it’s the right thing to do, and everyone is free to make their own opinions because, for players at that age, it’s important to keep them on their toes.
“I don’t think it necessarily means he’ll 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.
“And I think if all PSL teams can adopt that, it will be the best thing that we can do for our football because most of these senior players want to get a four-year contract because they know that they are looking for retirement and we want them to perform every week.
“I think it is the right thing, and I think ‘Mshishi’ is the right player for that because he’s a very professional boy. He’ll work very hard, and he has to give it his best shot, and I’m very confident he will do very well.”