KickOff brings you the latest on Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, who was stretchered off the field during the AFCON qualifier against South Sudan.
When Sithole was injured in the qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in South Sudan, he had to be replaced, and although Thalente Mbatha scored the winner in stoppages to give Mzansi a 3-2 win, there were concerns about his injury.
On social media, a picture appeared of the 25-year-old using a crutch and being balanced by his teammate goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, while walking with a heavily bandaged leg.
According to SAFA, the extent of the player's injury would be determined once the team returned home on Wednesday.
After being stretchered off the pitch during Bafana Bafana's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on Tuesday, Sphephelo Sithole's injury will be assessed upon landing in Johannesburg.
"Coach Hugo Broos' charges defeated the home side 3-2 at Juba National Stadium, but Sithole suffered the injury in the second half.
After the Bafana Bafana team returns to South Africa on Wednesday night, the medical department will determine the extent of the injury."
SAFA could not disclose the extent of Yaya's injury after his arrival on Wednesday, although they indicated Dr. Tshepo Molobi had contacted President Dr. Danny Jordaan.
SAFA confirmed on Wednesday that Bafana Bafana had returned home from South Sudan.
The team was welcomed by SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordan and NEC member Job Mchunu at OR Tambo International Airport.
According to the Bafana social media page, "Dr. Tshepo Molobi gave the SAFA President an update on Sphephelo Sithole's injury yesterday in Juba."
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As a result of this website's investigation, Sithole has suffered a broken leg.
Despite the severity of the injury, he is expected to be out for only two to three months.
In his first two games for Portuguese club Gil Vicente, the 25-year-old played off the bench in 3-0 defeats to Porto and 4-2 losses to AVS.
