Zwane urges calm amid Sundowns’ early-season challenges

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane has called for calm amid growing criticism directed at the club as they continue to navigate a tricky start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The Brazilians face TS Galaxy in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.30pm kick-off), aiming to extend their lead at the top of the log.

Despite sitting at the summit of the table, the reigning champions have endured a few bumps along the way. Accustomed to dominating from the outset—as they’ve done during their record-breaking run of eight consecutive league titles—this season has so far been more competitive and tightly contested. Even so, with many games still to play, they remain largely in control of their own destiny.

Still widely regarded as the best team in the country, Sundowns host Galaxy on the back of a grueling 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. That result was enough to hand them a two-point cushion over second-placed Sekhukhune United, but maintaining momentum remains a top priority for Miguel Cardoso and his charges.

Zwane, sidelined through injury, has been a notable absentee for the defending champions. The veteran playmaker acknowledges the frustrations of some supporters as results have sometimes gone against the team this season, but he has called for patience while Sundowns work to find their rhythm—especially with several new signings still settling in.

“To be honest, there needs to be a lot of calm,” Zwane said.

“I understand how they feel, but at the moment we need them to be positive for the team. It’s still early; there are some players that are still adjusting to the team, as they were not there in the pre-season camp. But hopefully they will adjust quicker, and we can get back to the standard that we’re used to as a team."

The 36-year-old is close to returning to action and expects to be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations later this year. He believes Sundowns’ off-season recruits have arrived at the perfect time, adding the depth needed to help the Brazilians balance their league campaign with another push for Champions League glory.

“We will be able to do it—it’s something we have managed to do before,” he said of juggling a demanding schedule.

“It will not be easy, and we will need everyone to be in the right mindset to compete, because you will find that we might have a Champions League match and two days later a league match, and we will need the fresh players to step up and win us the game.”

Zwane also expressed his admiration for new signings Nuno Santos and Tsiki Ntsabeleng, also encouraging them to be given time to settle into their new surroundings.

“They are good players, but what I will ask is for them to be given time to adjust because I think they will help us going forward,” he said.

“They are good players—I have watched Nuno; technique-wise, he gives us a different dimension, and Tsiki likes the combination play, so I think they will help us going forward.”