Sphephelo Sithole grateful to be back with Bafana after career-threatening injury

The 26-year-old C.D. Tondela midfielder was injured in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Sudan and has only just returned to full fitness.

After missing the first two games of the new season, Sithole has featured in six Liga Portugal games for his club, scoring one goal.

He is currently in camp with Bafana as they prepare to face Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda on Tuesday in two final World Cup qualifying matches.

Sithole said in the Citizen: "I would like to thank God for the opportunity he has given me to play football again.

"With the injury I had, I thought it could be the end of my career. Fortunately now I am back with the team. It is good to be back, and I can see the team spirit. They guys were doing well when I was away, I was always urging them on. I am very proud to be back in the team again."

Bafana head into Friday's game in second place in Group C with 14 points, behind leaders Benin on goal difference.

"We had a meeting among ourselves, we know the Zimbabwe game is do or die.

"We have to win it if we want to go to the World Cup. Everyone is prepared and knows that – we have to win no matter what. We also want to make the country proud. We haven't qualified for a World Cup in 24 years so it is a big opportunity for us," added Sithole.