Major update on Sphephelo Sithole’s injury
A major update has emerged on the injury of Bafana Bafana and Gil Vicente midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, who’s been out of action due to injury since last year.
The 26-year-old sustained a tibia and fibula fracture while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
He was stretched off during the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier against South Sudan in September where Hugo Broos’ troops won 3-2 away from home.
The KZN Academy product underwent a successful operation on his leg at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg upon returning to the country. The procedure was intended to accelerate his healing.
Initially, SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya anticipated Sithole would be back after 10 to 12 weeks. However, his recovery has taken more than double that initial estimate.
SPHEPHELO SITHOLE RETURNS TO TRAINING AT GIL VINCENTE
FARPost understands the Ulundi-born midfielder has been declared clinically fit and has now returned to training with his club.
He will be aiming for a swift return to action under the guidance of César Peixoto, who recently took over as coach of the Portuguese Primeira Liga side after Bruno Pinheiro’s departure last month.
Injury has limited Sithole to just two appearances for Gil Vicente this season, where he has also been an unused substitute twice.
He joined Vicente on loan from the second-tier side CD Tondela at the start of the current season.
Meanwhile, Sithole, who’s been a regular in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad, missed four AFCON qualifying matches – two against Congo Brazzaville, as well as those against Uganda and South Sudan.
He is also not part of the squad that will play upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin later this month.
Sithole will be fighting to get back to playing regularly to regain his sharpness, with the aim of being part of the team that will play AFCON tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.
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