Hugo Broos has confirmed that Teboho Mokoena will be available for Bafana Bafana‘s last-32 clash against Canada, but delivered a blow to South African fans with the news that Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension has been upheld.
The appeal lodged by the South African camp was rejected, meaning Zwane — one of Bafana’s most creative forces, will sit out the knockout stage fixture.
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Broos made little attempt to hide his frustration at the outcome; “Teboho is surely there against Canada, but Themba no- they didn’t accept our appeal, which is strange.
“What he did was certainly not deserving of a three-game sanction. Certainly not.”
SAFA later published a statement, confirming the failure to decrease Zwane’s ban. “We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offense that Themba is said to have committed,” SAFA said in a statement.
‘I saw other things on the pitch’
The coach went further, suggesting that the officiating standard at the tournament has been inconsistent, and that Zwane’s punishment sits uneasily alongside incidents elsewhere that drew no action.
“I saw other things on the pitch where they don’t even go to VAR to change decisions,” Broos said, his irritation barely concealed.
The return of Mokoena, Bafana’s energetic midfield anchor, will provide some relief as South Africa prepare to face Canada.
But the absence of Zwane leaves a creative hole with Relebohile Mofokeng expected to retain his place in the starting line-up after an impressive display in their win over South Korea.