Mamelodi Sundowns will have an important decision to make on Themba Zwane upon his return from injury in the New Year with his contract running up at the end of June.
Zwane underwent surgery following the injury that he picked up while on Bafana Bafana duty during the AFCON qualifier against Congo in Brazzaville six weeks ago.
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The Achilles tendon rupture injury is estimated to keep the veteran – who is currently on crutches – out for between four to six months.
During his absence, Sundowns will play up to 30 games and upon his return will also have contract matters to iron out.
The Brazilians exercised the 35-year-old's option in retaining him at the club this season but will have to put a new deal on the table for an extension agreement.
Zwane has been under contract at Sundowns since January 2011 when he arrived from amateur club Vardos.
Since his return from a season-long (2013/14) loan at Mpumalanga Black Aces, he has won trophies for 10 years in a row at Chloorkop, playing a visible role in that success.
His presence in the dressing room has been coupled with a footprint of top numbers in his appearance count with 29 the least number of games that he has played in a single season over the last decade.
Just last term, Zwane's shift was 41 matches.
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Before that, it was 36, 42, 34, 41, 39, 40, 38, 39, and 29 (2014/15 season) wearing the Sundowns colours.
Based on these numbers, there is no doubt Zwane is deserving of an extension regardless of the fact that he will be turning 36 upon his next birthday and that injury has disturbed him this season.