1 month ago
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Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Manqoba Mngqithi has defended the club's decision to extend talismanic skipper Themba "Mshishi" Zwane's contract by a mere year as many feel the 35-year-old ace deserved a longer deal.
Last week Sundowns confirmed that Zwane had renewed his deal by a further year, while 27-year-old instrumental midfielder Teboho Mokoena signed an extension that will only expire in 2029.
"I think it's the right thing to do. Everybody's free to make his opinion heard but I think it's the right thing to do because for players at that age, it's important to keep them on their toes,'' Mngqithi said.
"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 he has to fight for the next contract."
In March 2020, Sundowns offered then skipper Hlompho Kekana, who was 34 at the time, a new four-year deal, only for the two parties to part ways 19 months later. Perhaps the Brazilians learnt a lesson from this, hence they opted to exercise a rather cautious approach in Zwane's stance.
