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Cape Town - Eric Mathoho has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad to face Burkina Faso in the crucial 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier as he has to serve his two-game suspension for the red card he received in the 2-1 loss to Cape Verde last month.
According to the official SAFA website, Motjeka Madisha of Mamelodi Sundowns has been called up to replace Mathoho.
The towering defender was part of the 25-man squad called up by Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter, pending a decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which sat on Friday, September 28 to deliberate on the match ban.
Mathoho has also been fined R70 000 by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
"Words fail me when I think of the incident and the red card itself, but from the bottom of my heart I want to once again apologise for my actions - to the entire Bafana Bafana team and all the football loving fans,” said Mathoho.
"Let me also take this opportunity to wish the team all the best against Burkina Faso in this crucial match.
"I know it’s not going to be easy but I have confidence that they will get positive results.
"We did not do well in the last two matches but I believe we will rise again, starting with this upcoming clash. Good luck to all."
Meanwhile, Cape Town City FC captain Robyn Johannes has been called up to the national squad, replacing the injured Thulani Hlatshwayo.
South Africa assembled for camp on Sunday, October 1 and will face the Burkinabe on Saturday, October 7 at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou in October last year. Dean Furman scored for Bafana Bafana.
The West Africans remain unbeaten in Group D of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, on six points, level with Cape Verde, but Burkina Faso lead the group due to a better goal difference.
Senegal occupy third position with five points, while South Africa are bottom of the table with one point, albeit, along with Senegal, having played one fewer match.
