KickOff readers have weighed in on where Mamelodi Sundowns icon Themba Zwane ranks among the best players to have ever played in the PSL. Here's a look!
What's the story?
With the PSL having been in existence since 1996, several players have made a lasting impression in the South African topflight and it is without any doubt that Zwane slots in perfectly among those who have withstood the test of time. 16 trophies and more than a decade later, 'Mshishi' remains an instrumental figure in the league and a key member of Down's unprecedented dominance in terms of consistently winning titles.
His recurring role in the Bafana Bafana set up also enhances his case as one of the best, as he is one of the most senior players in the squad ahead of potentially his last showing at Afcon.
However, there seems to be no unanimous consensus about his place as the greatest the PSL has witnessed in the last 27 years yet. Commenting on the article: Downs star man the best to ever play in the PSL? , KO readers on Facebook made their views known!
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"The AFCON win will cement everything...I believe if Broos can select the best players they'll win it and silence the critics," says Zitha Mabhedla Bhekizizwe.
"But it's true! We all know that! Even though we aren't dunusa fans but we have to give credit where it's due! Zwane is by far the best," says Litho Shili.
"He's the best player ever vele...he won everything including CAF Champions League, Super Cup, and AFL," says Nolo's Waga Lepulana.
"He's the best, just they won't admit because he did not play for Sowetans but numbers don't lie," says Sibusiso Encore.
"He's the best as backed by stats...Numbers don't lie, " says Rendani Matidza.
"Best in the PSL history? WOW, that's debatable," says Bongani Mgubela.
"Sundowns as a team has dominated the PSL...so players playing in that team will win trophies, it's a collective effort. Zwane as an individual is far from being the best ever, not even in the top 5. You can say he is the best ever at Sundowns maybe," says Thamaga Ray Mothibinyane.
"Zwane is the best and by a distance. His only sin is that he didn't play for a team from Soweto," says Zwelakhe KaMbuyiselwa Msibi.
"Let the boy be celebrated without being compared. There was Shoes Moshoeu once in the PSL... just saying. There was the General in the name of Roger Feutumba at some point, there was Onyekachi Okwonkwo in the mix. We forget that Shuffle played PSL football at some point. These are players that didn't need a galaxy of stars around them so they can shine, they made others better, others didn't make them better," says Karabo Matshego.
"Truth be told no jealousy this guy is the best South African football has ever seen," says Shotfest Makhendlana.
"That would be hard to say, he is good at what he does, but PSL has had thee great soccer players, he is one of them," says Nceba Ntsundu Dyantyi.
"Trophies don’t lie, Themba is clear," says Wonder Mlandzeni Ka Ntila.
"He doesnt have competition. Even Jomo Sono wants to compare his days with Themba Zwane but puts it the wrong way and compares Themba with him instead of himself with Themba. The less comparison of Doctor Khumalo the better. How about Tau because he's the first South African to win African footballer of the year," says Ducks Ramatswana.
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In other news, the 2023 CAF Interclub Player of the Year winner Percy Tau is now left with just over six on his contract at Al Ahly. Given his impressive stint comprising six trophies in with Al Ahly, there's growing belief that a return to Europe could be worth another shot.
KO readers responded to the article: Tau deserves another shot in Europe!
"Where in Europe? Maybe in Cyprus," says Sivuyise Sibali.
"The guy is enjoying his football in the Land of Pharaoh. This talk of Europe is unnecessary at this stage. Let him stay there, as long as the bag is okay," says Bongani Mgubela.
"I don't see the need for our African footballers to play European football if our African team can pay them good. What's so special about their predictable type of football of recycling the ball all the time that favours only the star players. Once an unknown African footballer tries something special is being booed or hated on. Tau you have nothing to prove to anyone. Brighton coach benched you having made a huge impact against Man City and left them eating the dust on grass. I bow for you my countryman," says Vusi Mtsweni.
"His father Pitso told him to leave Europe. Let him retire in Egypt," says Lucky Ncala.
"He must go to Saudi and make millions," says Moowzee Mzee Muzi Maluka.
"The problem South African players struggle to play in big leagues in Europe is the level of our league, too low," says Ow Africa Ow.
"He is coming to Sundowns next season," says Kabo Baaname.
"Disagree. In Europe they just start you on the bench irrespective how good you are," says Nathi Khumalo Emtuba.
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