South Africa vs South Korea Team News - Two Key Suspensions for Bafana Bafana

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 24 Jun 2026

John Eastwood 24 Jun 2026

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South Africa faces South Korea on June 25, 2026, in Monterrey.
Key midfielders Mokoena & Zwane are both suspended for the match.
Sphephelo Sithole returns from suspension; predicted lineup sees strategic changes.

The loss of Teboho Mokoena to suspension is a bitter blow for Bafana Bafana (Getty Images).

South Africa face off against South Korea in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, 25 June. The match kicks off at 03:00 SAST at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
South Africa Suspensions vs South Korea
How Mokoena's Loss Hits Bafana
What Zwane Absence Means for Broos
SOUTH AFRICA - PREDICTED LINEUP

South Africa Suspensions vs South Korea

Coach Hugo Broos will be without two experienced midfielders due to suspension.

Teboho Mokoena excelled against the Czech Republic but will miss this match. He was yellow-carded in both matches of this World Cup so far.

Veteran number ten, Themba Zwane is also banned. He was handed a harsh three-match suspension for his red card in the opening match vs Mexico.

Sphephelo Sithole returns to the fold in midfield after serving a ban against Czechia.

How Mokoena's Loss Hits Bafana

The suspension of Teboho Mokoena is a huge blow. He made over 90 passes, had over 100 touches, created five chances, and scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw vs Czechia.

Bafana Bafana will feel a loss of leadership and physicality without him. He is arguably the country's best player.

What Zwane Absence Means for Broos

The suspension of Themba Zwane means less creativity for Bafana Bafana in the number ten role.

Zwane is vastly experienced and the top scorer at international level in the squad.

SOUTH AFRICA - PREDICTED LINEUP

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates).

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.