Bafana Bafana supporters took to social media in frustration after midfielder Sphelelo Sithole was blamed for Mexico’s opening goal in the FIFA World Cup opener at the Azteca Stadium.
South Africa were already under pressure in the early minutes, with Mexico creating a big chance from their first corner.
Raúl Jiménez met a sharp pass inside the box and fired a first-time shot toward the bottom left corner, but captain Ronwen Williams produced a superb diving save to keep the scores level.
Mexico, however, made their next opportunity count.
After receiving a short pass from Williams near the back, Sithole failed to control the ball cleanly and was dispossessed and the ball fell to Julián Quiñones. The Mexican forward quickly punished the mistake, slotting past Williams to send the home crowd into celebration.
The error sparked a wave of criticism online, with many supporters questioning Sithole’s place in the national team.
Just after the restart of the second half, the Bafana star received a red card for denying Mexico a good scoring opportunity.
Bafana fans not happy with Sithole
@ItsMrMasukuSir: “Sithole has never been a good fit for this South African side.”
@snaijamxoli: “What’s pissing me off is that he was calling for the ball when there were players on both sides and Sithole is slow.”
@LVniggeroid: “You need to know your players. Sithole has never been press resistant and there was a guy coming behind him — a mistake was just gonna happen.”
@nosizwephogole: “Sithole is not up to standard in this national team and it’s time for Broos and him to go. It’s enough. Every scoring opportunity for the opposition in the past matches, it’s him.”
The midfielder has divided opinion among supporters for some time, and the mistake only intensified scrutiny on his performances for Hugo Broos’ side.
Bafana Bafana now face the challenge of responding quickly in a tournament where early results can define the campaign.
