The R1-million amateur

Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to sign Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane almost a decade ago was greeted with suspicion by those that felt there was no justification in the club bringing an amateur footballer.

Zwane was snapped from third-tier Vardos FC and arrived on the same day as Teko Modise, who had joined from Orlando Pirates in January 2011.

Then 21, Zwane was scrawny looking and appeared rather stunned that he was now about to share the same dressing room as World Cup stars Modise, Katlego Mphela and Surprise Moriri.

What made his situation even more awkward was that he was due to compete with Modise for a place in the team. And so, during his first six months he didn’t play under coaches Antonio Lopez Habas and Ian Gorowa.

Even after being handed his debut by Johan Neeskens, he would manage a single goal in 27 appearances spread over two years, after which he was then loaned out to Mpumalanga Black Aces for a season.

With Sundowns spending on many players, it was felt by some that Zwane was another of those unwarranted signings that the club had made an unhealthy habit of bringing on board.