Bafana Bafana international Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole has revealed his future plans after the CAF 2025 AFCON tournament, currently ongoing in Morocco.
‘Yaya’, as he is affectionately known within football circles, is currently on the books of CD Tondela, who were promoted to the Portuguese top-flight in the 2024/25 season.
At the beginning of December 2025, the 26-year-old extended his stay at CD Tondela until the end of June 2027. Sithole returned to CD Tondela after spending the last season at the Portuguese top division side Gil Vicente on loan deal.
In the current campaign, Sithole has made 14 appearances and contributed two goals across all competitions for CD Tondela.
The talented central midfielder is currently on national duty for Bafana Bafana and has helped Hugo Broos’ side reach the AFCON Round of 16, where they are set to face Cameroon on Sunday, 4 January, at Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat. The kickoff is at 21:00.
‘I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY SOMEWHERE ELSE’: SPHEPHELO SITHOLE
‘Yaya’ was straightforward when questioned about his future after the AFCON tournament, stating he would like to play elsewhere, encounter new challenges, hinting that something might happen soon if everything falls into place.
“Well, for my future, after this tournament, I would like to get a better opportunity to go and play somewhere else, you know, because I have been in Portugal for the past eight years, going on nine now,” said Sithole.
“So, I think for me to go somewhere else, maybe outside of Portugal, if things go well, that could be good, you know.
“I have just signed a new deal, yes, but you know, there were talks that happened around the deal. So, I think if everything goes well, a move is going to happen.”
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