How Sphephelo Sithole’s game has evolved in the eyes of youth coach

Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole’s former youth coach in Portugal has described how the Bafana Bafana international’s game has changed from being a player short of confidence to one lording it in midfield.

Chiquinho Conde, who coached Sithole at Portuguese side Victoria de Setubal Under 23 side during the 2018/19 season, couldn’t hide his delight at how the player has improved as a footballer.

Sithole has been tipped for greater things based on his performances at Belenenses SAD, a Portuguese second-tier league outfit he joined after parting ways with Vitória FC.

There have been talks of serious interest in Sithole from the five big leagues in Europe and the top teams in Portugal’s top flight.

The 23-year-old KZN Academy graduate put in an impressive display in the middle of the park when he made his Bafana international debut in June this year during the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Morocco.

CONDE HAPPY FOR SITHOLE

“He is playing very well, and I am very happy for him,” Conde, the Mozambique national team coach, told FARPost.

“He was good (when I coached him at Victoria de Setubal). But then again, he didn’t have confidence because there were just many problems and stability for the team.

“That was the problem and it didn’t help him, but I think now he is performing well.

“Yaya is a very strong guy and plays to recover the ball from the opponents in the midfield. He has good passes, and I like him a lot.

Sithole has made six appearances for Belenenses this season with one assist to his name.

“He is so aggressive in recovering the ball during the defence moment, so I like it. He is a good player and tall,” continued Conde.

“He is a big man. If you happen to talk to him, tell him you spoke to Chiquinho,” concluded Conde whose Mambas squad recently lost 2-1 to Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match at Mbombela Stadium.

Mozambique were using the match as part of their preparations for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Chan tournament will take place in Algeria from 13 January until 4 February 2023.

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