Hugo Broos, the coach of Bafana Bafana, has expressed his frustration following the three-match ban handed to midfielder Themba Zwane after his red card in last week’s match against Mexico. FIFA confirmed the suspension yesterday, which goes against earlier reports that indicated a one-game punishment.
This extended ban effectively ends Zwane’s participation in the World Cup, as he will miss today’s match against Czechia, along with the final Group A encounter against South Korea.
Broos did not shy away from voicing his displeasure with the decision. He stated, “I’m a little bit frustrated that Themba Zwane got a three-match suspension. We will appeal it. Our situation is clear; if we don’t win tomorrow, we play the last game against South Korea for nothing, and that’s something we have to avoid.”
Additionally, Broos criticized the severity of the red card, comparing it to a recent incident involving Lionel Messi. He remarked, “I don’t think it was a red card… themba tried to go past him and put his arm over his shoulder, he didn’t do anything. A red card and a three-match suspension, I’m sorry, it’s too severe.”