SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya has issued the latest injury update of Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole.
‘Yaya’, as he is affectionately known, suffered the setback during Bafana’s 3-2 win over South Sudan away from home on Tuesday in their CAF 2025 AFCON qualifier clash.
The talented midfielder had to be stretchered off the pitch during the Bafana’s game against South Sudan after suffering a leg injury.
Sithole’s injury was determined upon landing in South Africa on Thursday evening, where Dr Ngwenya succumbed to a decision that the midfielder has to undergo an operation to speed up the healing process.
Sithole was then taken to the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg for the operation on his leg.
In a statement released by SAFA on Friday, the Association stated that the midfielder’s operation was a success and he is in good health. Sithole is expected to be back in action in about 10 to 12 weeks from now on.
WHAT DR THULANI NGWENYA SAID ABOUT SPHEPHELO SITHOLE INJURY
“We are very happy with his progress, and he is already walking with the aid of his physio. We expect him to be back in action in about 10 to 12 weeks,” said Dr Ngwenya.
Meanwhile, SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan expressed his happiness at seeing Sithole in a good mood after the operation following his visit to the hospital alongside NEC member Job Mchunu and Dr Ngwenya.
“We are so happy to see him in such high spirits just a day after the operation. He is in such a positive frame of mind that you can’t help but be inspired. May he continue his recovery and return to the pitch when he is ready,” added Jordaan.
SPHEPHELO SITHOLE EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE FOR THE SUPPORT
Sithole thanked everyone who wished him well since he sustained his on Tuesday.
“Thank you to everybody for their prayers, well wishes and support; it means a lot. Thank you to my teammates, the coaches, the doctors, SAFA, the fans and the country at large,” said Sithole.
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