As the year 2023 rolls down to its end, Themba Zwane's fine form at Mamelodi Sundowns has enhanced the debate about his standing as the best to ever play in the PSL, with the argument for his case backed by trophies.
The end of December will mark 13 years of Zwane's PSL career.
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'Mshishi' was signed by Sundowns in January 2011 from the amateur ranks and has been forever present in the league since then then meaning he has now played in the PSL for just about half the years that it has been in existence.
The PSL kicked off in August 1996 after being repackaged from the old NSL first division.
Through the years, the PSL has been graced by fine footballers but when it comes to those who have stood the test of time in the success lane then Zwane's argument has all the merits to rank him as the best.
Beyond being a consistent performer, the 34-year-old has delivered the skills, assists, and goals in abundance through about 400 appearances that he made for Sundowns.
Zwane also spent a season at Mpumalanga Black Aces.
The man from Tembisa is approaching a combined total of 150 goals and assists.
What is remarkable about Zwane is that he has won silverware for 10 years in a row at Sundowns – where he is also now the longest-serving player.
The African Football League trophy that Zwane lifted on Sunday meant the veteran attacker has now lifted silverware in every season that he has spent at Chloorkop since returning from his loan at Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Zwane won the 2014-15 Nedbank Cup in his first season back from Aces, then added the league title and Telkom KnockOut the next season.
From August 2016 through to May 2017, the 34-year-old won the CAF Champions League and CAF Super League trophies.
Then in the last six years, Zwane has been a league champion and through that time has won the Nedbank Cup twice, added the Telkom (2019) and MTN8 (2021).
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This season, Zwane has added the African Football League, pushing his trophy haul at Sundowns to 16.
Zwane remains a regular to this day and has already played 23 games this season while his place in the AFCON finals squad is also already secured.
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