Bafana Bafana and CD Tondela midfielder Sphephelo Sithole reflects on his recovery and upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Sphephelo Sithole, affectionately known as 'Yaya', has been sidelined from international play since September 2024.
The KZN-born midfielder endured a significant fracture to his tibia and fibula during an AFCON Qualifier against South Sudan, necessitating his stretchered removal from the field.
His recovery process proved to be longer than the initial 10 to 12 weeks anticipated by the Bafana Bafana medical staff.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God for the opportunity that he is giving me to play football again, because that injury that I got, I thought maybe, like it was the end of my career,” stated Sithole.
Recalled by coach Hugo Broos, Sithole is set to join Bafana Bafana for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00, followed by a match against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday at 18:00.
“But fortunately, I’m here again, and I’m back with the team as well, because I can say the spirit is very good,” he expressed.
Sithole’s presence will bolster Broos' squad, particularly with several players having stepped up during his absence.
He also shared the mental challenges he faced while being inactive on the pitch: “It was tough mentally, because you know, if you’re injured, you can’t do anything.”
Now fully fit, the former under-17 international is eager to contribute as South Africa seeks to secure World Cup qualification in this critical match.
“On this game against Zimbabwe, it’s a do-or-die game, like, we have to win it if we really want to go to the World Cup,” emphasized Sithole.
Both Sithole and his teammates are determined to end South Africa’s FIFA World Cup struggles at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Friday.
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