Themba Zwane Reveals Orlando Pirates Interest Was Hidden During His Move to Sundowns

Key facts

• Themba Zwane, 36, has won nine league titles and 18 trophies with Mamelodi Sundowns.
• Zwane joined Sundowns from amateur side Vardos after a call from his Vardos boss Sinky Mnisi.
• Zwane was on national U23 duty when he signed for Sundowns.
• He signed the contract without reading it because he trusted Mnisi.
• Orlando Pirates were also interested in signing Zwane, but he was not told.
• Zwane has made close to 450 appearances for Sundowns, with 80 goals and 60 assists.

A Secret Race for a Midfield Maestro

Themba Zwane, the Mamelodi Sundowns captain and one of the most decorated players in South African football history, has disclosed that his move to the Brazilians was orchestrated behind a veil of secrecy — one that kept him unaware of a rival bid from Orlando Pirates. Speaking on the podcast PitchSide With Peter Tabu, Zwane recounted the pivotal week after the Philly’s Games when his professional career was set in motion. He was called up to the South Africa Under-23 national team camp, and while there, received a phone call from his former boss at amateur club Vardos, Sinky Mnisi. Mnisi told him that Sundowns were serious about signing him. But he never mentioned that Orlando Pirates were also in the race.

The Sundowns Deal: In and Out

Zwane, then an amateur player, was so excited by the prospect of joining Sundowns that he left the U23 camp to sign. 'They said, okay, on Wednesday, we’ll come there by the camp and ask the coach to release you,' Zwane recalled. 'Then they came, they asked the coach that he will come back maybe after lunch. Now we’re going to Sundowns.' Once at Sundowns, the process was swift. 'We get there, there’s a contract, everything was sorted. I just went there and signed and I was so happy.' Zwane admitted he did not even read the contract because he trusted Mnisi implicitly. 'I didn’t even look what’s in the contract because I trusted Bra Sinky, because he’s the one who took me there,' Zwane said.

The Pirates Revelation

It was only after the deal was completed that Zwane learned of Orlando Pirates' interest. 'I found out later about Orlando Pirates that they were interested also,' he said. The revelation came as a surprise, but Zwane expressed no regret. 'I thank God for the decision and being at Sundowns,' he stated. The 36-year-old has since become a club legend, winning nine league titles, multiple domestic cups, and the CAF Champions League, while amassing close to 450 appearances, 80 goals, and 60 assists across all competitions.

A Career That Could Have Been Different

Zwane's journey from amateur football to PSL stardom is remarkable. He joined Sundowns from Vardos, becoming the record signing from that level of football to the PSL at the time. Had he known about Pirates' interest, his career path might have diverged. But Zwane's loyalty to Sundowns has been unwavering. He has redefined the midfield role in South African football and remains central to the national team, Bafana Bafana, even at the twilight of his career. He is poised to be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Trust and Timing: The Decisive Factors

Zwane's story underscores the role of trust and timing in football transfers. His reliance on Mnisi, who had guided him from Vardos, was absolute. 'I was just excited,' Zwane said. 'I didn’t even look what was in the contract because I trusted Bra Sinky.' The secrecy surrounding Pirates' interest raises questions about the transparency of player negotiations. Zwane, however, has no bitterness. He has built an iconic legacy at Sundowns, and the hidden interest from Pirates remains a footnote in a glittering career.

What Lies Ahead for Zwane

At 36, Zwane continues to defy age, playing a pivotal role for Sundowns and the national team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, his experience and skill remain invaluable. His revelation adds a layer of intrigue to his origin story, but for Zwane, the focus is on the present. 'I thank God for the decision and being at Sundowns,' he reiterated, looking ahead to more silverware.

The bottom line

• Themba Zwane signed for Mamelodi Sundowns without knowing Orlando Pirates were also interested, a fact he learned only after the deal was done.
• His former Vardos boss Sinky Mnisi orchestrated the move while Zwane was on U23 duty, keeping Pirates' interest hidden.
• Zwane signed the contract without reading it, driven by trust in Mnisi.
• He has since become one of Sundowns' most decorated players, with nine league titles and 18 trophies.
• Zwane remains a key figure for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, with a potential 2026 World Cup appearance ahead.