13 September 2024 – Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole had an operation on his leg at Milpark hospital, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 12 September 2024 and it was a success.

The midfielder was stretchered off the pitch during Bafana Bafana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on Tuesday and SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya said the decision to operate was taken to speed up the healing process.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, NEC member Job Mchunu and Dr Ngwenya visited Sithole at the hospital on Friday and found the player in good spirit.

“We are so happy to see him in such high spirits, just a day after the operation. He is in such a positive frame of mind that you can’t help but be inspired. May he continue his recovery and return to the pitch when he ready,” Dr Jordaan said.

Sithole: “Thank you to everybody for their prayers, well wishes and support, it means a lot. Thank you to my teammates, the coaches, the doctors, SAFA, the fans and the country at large.”

Dr Ngwenya said Sithole would continue to be monitored even after he has been discharged from hospital in the coming days.

“We are very happy with his progress and he is already walking with the aid of his physio. We expect him to be back in action in about 10 to 12 weeks.”

Coach Hugo Broos’ charges beat the home side 3-2 at Juba National Stadium and will be happy to hear that Sithole is making good progress.