Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in the 2026 Fifa World Cup opener.
Sphephelo Sithole showed no signs of lingering pressure when he attended Bafana Bafana’s pre-match press conference ahead of their final, decisive group match against South Korea.
Instead, the midfielder nicknamed “Yaya” appeared calm and fully aware of the heavy responsibility now facing him in the centre of the pitch following his nightmare start to the tournament in Bafana's opening defeat to Mexico. Sithole misplaced touch led to Mexico's opening goal, before getting a straight red card early in the second half.
South Africa enter the encounter knowing that a positive result is vital to secure their place in the round of 32 and keep their FIFA World Cup campaign alive.
Mexico’s victory over South Korea secured qualification for the knockout rounds and left the group table delicately balanced behind them. South Korea currently sit second with three points and a goal difference of zero, whilst the Czech Republic are third with one point and a goal difference of minus one.
