Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole has made a return to the national team setup, revealing the depth of his struggle after a horrific, career-threatening injury kept him sidelined for over a year.
Sithole, a former key figure in Hugo Broos’ midfield, was stretchered off in September 2024 after sustaining a tibia and fibula fracture during a crucial AFCON qualifier against South Sudan. The injury saw him lose his starting spot, which was subsequently filled by the emerging partnership of Thalente Mbatha and Bathusi Aubaas.
After a full year of intensive rehabilitation, the 26-year-old finally earned his first competitive minutes for his Liga Portugal side, Tondela FC. He has since played six games, proving his fitness and earning a swift recall to the Bafana squad.
A ‘TOUGH’ MENTAL BATTLE FOR SPHEPHELO ‘YAYA’ SITHOLE
Reacting to his selection, Sithole expressed profound gratitude, reflecting on the severity of his injury.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God for the opportunity because that injury I got, I thought it was the end of my career. But fortunately, I am here again, and I am back with the team,” he said.
Sithole briefly touched on the mental anguish of the long layoff, which left him feeling isolated from the national cause.
“It was tough mentally because if you are injured, you can’t do anything. You know that you can’t help the team, but all you have to do is support the guys. I was always watching them play, and they were all okay, so I am very proud to be back in the team again,” Sithole revealed.
Sphephelo Sithole returns just in time for South Africa’s critical final push in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
SITHOLE ON REALIZING THE WORLD CUP DREAM
Following FIFA’s controversial docking of three points, South Africa dropped to second place in Group D, level on points with new leaders Benin. This sanction has intensified the pressure, making the upcoming fixtures against neighbours Zimbabwe and then Benin crucial.
With Zimbabwe playing primarily for national pride, South Africa has everything to lose, and Sithole asserts that he and his teammates are fully aware that only a victory against The Warriors on Friday will suffice.
“Yesterday we had a meeting, and we have spoken about this as a group, and everyone knows that this game against Zimbabwe is a do or die game. We have to win it if we really want to go to the World Cup,” asserts Yaya.
He concluded by highlighting the historical significance of securing qualification.
“We also want to make the country proud because we haven’t qualified for the World Cup in the last 24 years. So, I think it’s a good opportunity for us to make the country proud.”
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