The South African duo of Nkanyiso Shinga and Sphephelo Sithole has won promotion to the Portuguese top division. Shinga’s FC Alverca secured a 2-1 victory over Portimonense, finishing the season in second place, just behind Sithole’s CD Tondela.
Friday night’s victory allowed Alverca to accumulate 63 points, narrowly trailing Tondela, who topped the 18-team league with 64 points.
The 25-year-old left-back Shinga missed the match due to an injury, as well as the previous game where Alverca defeated Tondela 2-1, closing the gap on the league leaders.
On the other hand, Bafana Bafana star Sithole has spent the season in the top-flight league with Gil Vicente. His loan spell will conclude next month, at which point he is set to return to Tondela. With one year remaining in his contract, Tondela may consider utilising him in the top division next season.
WHAT THE PROMOTION MEANS FOR CHIEFS’ PURSUIT OF SITHOLE AND SHINGA
With both of their teams earning promotion in the southern European country, they might be optimistic about their chances of playing top-flight football. However, securing them for Amakhosi could be a bit challenging following their promotion.
“For Yaya, it’s simple because they love him at Tondela, they compromised because he was not going to play another season in the second division,” explained digital scout, Prince Sobayeni.
“Nkanyiso has been a regular, the number one left back the whole season and is an important member of Alverca.” Sobayeni believes the club would want to keep its best players ahead of the new season.
In February, Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr was part of a consortium that bought Shinga’s Alverca. The consortium, including Spanish and Brazilian investors, acquired the team from previous owner Ricardo Vicintin in a deal reported to be worth R200 million.
Alverca, who are based in the metropolitan area of Lisbon, will play their football in the top flight next season.
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