Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has spoken about an emotional conversation he had with Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane before leaving the experienced playmaker out of his latest national team squad.

Zwane, affectionately known as Mshishi, is 37 and remains one of the most recognisable players in South African football. His technical skill, experience and understanding of the game have made him an important figure for both Sundowns and the national team. That is why his omission has drawn so much attention among supporters.

Mosimane said he did not leave the news to be learned from the squad announcement. He contacted Zwane personally to explain the decision. The call was reportedly emotional, which points to the respect between the two men.

For a player who has represented his country with distinction, missing out on selection is never easy. The decision also shows the balance a national coach has to strike between rewarding what a player has given in the past and choosing the players he believes the team needs now. When experienced players compete for a limited number of places, some tough choices are unavoidable.

At Sundowns, Zwane has built a strong reputation as one of the club's most influential attacking players, and his performances have made him one of the most technically gifted footballers in the Premier Soccer League. His experience has also been valuable to Bafana Bafana, which is why many fans see his absence as a talking point.

The phone call suggests the decision was not a sign of disrespect for what Zwane has achieved. It shows the human side of international football, where coaches sometimes have to give disappointing news to players they admire.

Sundowns supporters will now be watching how Zwane responds and how he continues to contribute at club level as the domestic season goes on. Some fans may still question Mosimane's choice, but his account shows that leaving out an established player was hard for everyone involved.

Source:

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