Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane admits that attacker Themba Zwane has not been at his best since the restart of the Premier Soccer League season.

The 31-year-old has been Sundowns’ standout performer this season, having bagged 12 goals and assisted a further eight from 35 appearances in all competitions.

However, Mosimane concedes that Zwane’s dip in form has come as a result of the effects of Covid-19, which had suspended football since mid-March.

The Sundowns mentor also explained why Zwane came off the bench during their 2-2 with against Maritzburg United instead of giving him a starting berth.

‘If you’re honest, Themba Zwane is our most important player. Since we came back he hasn’t had much influence on the game as much as he has for the last eight years. We have to be honest with it and make some necessary changes. We had Promise [Mkhuma] in his place. Promise played well,’ Mosimane told the media.

‘He understands also. We had our talk and he accepts. He said, “Coach, I am not at my best. I don’t know what is happening.”

‘I said, “Look, it’s the way it is, so we move on. You have done so well for us for all these years that tonight we can feel different about you.”

‘We need him. He is an important player. Same as Vilakazi, we need him. He is an important player. Sirino, we need him. He is an important player. They are not at their best at this point in time. They are key players.’

Mamelodi Sundowns will next be in action against Golden Arrows at the Dobsonville Stadium on Monday, with kick-off set for 6pm.