SAFA have issued an update that Themba Zwane is still suspended for Bafana Bafana’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday.
The Bafana vice-captain was red-carded during the tournament opener against Mexico on June 11. Initially sanctioned for one match, FIFA upgraded Zwane’s suspension to three matches, potentially ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
SAFA had indicated that they would appeal against FIFA’s ruling. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has already served one match of his suspension, missing the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.
Bafana now prepare to go into the swim-or-sink affair against South Korea. A defeat or a draw will see coach Hugo Broos’ side out of the World Cup and yet another campaign without reaching the knockout stage.
They are currently at the bottom of Group A with just a point, the same as third-placed Czech Republic. Bafana will be up against South Korea, who are second on the table with three points from two games.
Group leaders Mexico have already qualified for the Round of 32. Securing maximum points against South Korea would boost South Africa’s chances of ending as group runners-up or sneaking out of this phase as one of the eight third-best finishers.
BLOW FOR BROOS AS THEMBA ZWANE REMAINS SUSPENDED
Zwane’s absence was not showing against the Czech Republic, a match in which Relebohile Mofokeng sparkled in the number 10 role when he came on at half-time for Jayden Adams. Against Mexico, Zwane’s impact was not felt much during the 23 minutes he was on the pitch, as the veteran midfielder has been pushing to get back to his best form.
But his experience might have come in handy during Thursday’s crucial match in which Bafana need some inspiration.
“Coach Hugo Broos’ charges are now fully focused on the decisive final Group A showdown against South Korea at the Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe. The South Africans will spend the next few days in Pachuca and then travel to Monterrey for the final group match,” SAFA said in a statement.
“Bafana Bafana will be without Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena, who are both serving suspensions. Zwane is serving a three-match suspension he was handed by the FIFA disciplinary committee following the red card he received in the tournament opening game against Mexico last week.
“Sphephelo Sithole also received a red card in the same match against Mexico, but is available for selection against South Korea after serving his one-match suspension. Mokoena is suspended for the game against South Korea after picking up a second yellow card in Atlanta on Thursday.”
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