World Cup 2026: 2 Bafana Bafana Stars to Replace Sithole and Themba Zwane Against Czech Republic
- Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane are suspended from playing for Bafana Bafana against the Czech Republic at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The two Bafana Bafana midfielders were sent off during South Africa's disappointing defeat against Mexico in the competition opener
- A football analyst in an interview with Briefly News suggested two players Hugo Broos can use to replace Sithole and Zwane against Czechia
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Bafana Bafana are preparing for their second group game at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America as they will face the Czech Republic at the Atlanta Stadium on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa started the competition on a bad note after losing 2-0 to Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Hugo Broos' side performed woefully in the game and ended the match with nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off in the second half.
The two South African midfielders would miss Thursday's game against Czechia, which means Broos would need to bring in two players who would replace them, as they are expected to go all out for a win against the European side.
2 players to replace Sithole, Zwane
Football analyst Themba Modise, during an exclusive interview with Briefly News, named two Bafana Bafana stars who should replace Sithole and Zwane against Czechia.
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"I think Hugo Broos would want to go all out to attack against the Czech Republic, while also not leaving the defence open from the midfield, which means he needs to be strategic when replacing Sithole and Zwane in his line-up," he said.
"Relebohile Mofokeng is a direct replacement for Themba Zwane in the attacking midfield role (as a number 10), and I expect Thalante Mbatha to also be in the line-up, replacing Sithole.
"Mbatha would slot in well in the midfield playing alongside Teboho Mokoena and possibly Jayden Adams."
Source: Getty Images
What to expect from Bafana against Czechia
Modise also opened up on what to expect from Bafana Bafana when they take on the Czech Republic on Thursday in the United States of America.
"This match is a must-win game, and I expect to see an attacking Bafana Bafana side on Thursday, not the one we saw against Mexico, that couldn't spring four passes or trouble their opponent's defence," he added.
"The match would be exciting because the Czech Republic are also looking for a win after losing against South Korea, so we have to be the ones to dictate the tie and secure all three points.
"We can still draw the game, but losing potentially put on in a dangerous position of being knocked out of the competition. I am optimistic about us getting all three points in this game."
Williams sends a message to South Africans
Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen William has made a huge promise ahead of South Africa's next World Cup group game against the Czech Republic.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also reflected on Bafana Bafana's defeat against Mexico in their opening fixture in the competition.
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Source: Briefly News
