Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole has experienced a
story of resilience and redemption, culminating in his first-ever goal for
the national team—a triumphant moment following a grueling year-long injury
layoff.
Sithole, 26, scored with a well-taken header in the 3-1 friendly victory
over Zambia on Saturday. The goal held profound significance, coming after a
horrific leg break he suffered while playing for Bafana in an AFCON
qualifier against Sudan in September last year. The injury was so severe it
forced him to miss four subsequent AFCON qualifiers and four 2026 FIFA World
Cup qualifiers, only making his return to the squad a year later.
Speaking exclusively to PSLSA, Sithole’s agent, Manuel Tomas, opened up
about the emotion behind the milestone. “His dream has always been playing
in the national team… it’s like a dream come true,” Tomas said. “He played
at AFCON last year, (with another AFCON coming up), now hopefully if
everything goes well, he will be at the World Cup. It’s like a dream. He has
South Africa in his heart.”
Tomas was also full of praise for the South African Football Association
(SAFA), highlighting their unwavering support during Sithole’s recovery.
“They (SAFA) were unbelievable with him… All the time supporting him, it’s
very important what they did,” he stated.
The journey back to full fitness has been challenging. Upon returning to his
club, Tondela, in Portugal’s second tier, Sithole faced difficulties
reclaiming his spot. “He began in a very difficult situation… When he
began pre-season, he was not 100 percent in the right shape,” Tomas
explained.
However, the midfielder is now building momentum, having made ten
appearances and scored one goal for Tondela in the current campaign. “Every
week he is doing better, every week he’s trying to be 100 percent,” Tomas
concluded, signaling a positive trajectory for the returning Bafana star.
