BAFANA Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole seen here against Mahmoud Trezeguet of Egypt during the 2025 AFCON group stages says the South Africans are going back to basics for the Last 16 clash against Cameroon. Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole says the team understands where they have fallen short at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is confident they can address those issues ahead of their last-16 clash against Cameroon on Sunday at the Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat (9pm kick-off). South Africa advanced to the knockout stages for a second straight tournament after finishing runners-up in Group B behind record seven-time champions Egypt.
Their reward is a clash with Cameroon, AFCON champions in 2017, a side eager to move beyond a stage that has troubled them in recent editions. Although they accumulated six points in the group phase, South Africa’s performances have drawn criticism, particularly when measured against the impressive displays that secured their return to the Fifa World Cup for the first time since 2010. Sithole has been ever-present in midfield, featuring in all three group matches, and has played an important role in the team’s structure.
He admits that both individual and collective improvements are required, stressing the need for a return to the fundamentals that had previously brought success. “It wasn’t a start that I would have wanted, but I know what I need to do and where I need to improve,” Sithole said ahead of the match.
