Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole has secured a season-long loan deal with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente. The 25-year-old joins the top-flight club after a season with C.D. Tondela in the Portugal Liga 2.
Despite interest from several clubs, including Soweto Giants Kaizer Chiefs, Sithole opted to continue his development in Portugal. The former Tondela player impressed last season with 24 appearances and two goals.
Sithole’s experience in the Bafana Bafana midfield, where he was a key player alongside Teboho Mokoena at the 2023 AFCON, makes him a valuable addition to Gil Vicente. Sithole’s defensive prowess, vision, and work rate have been instrumental to the national team’s success and will be crucial for the Portuguese club.
The move is seen as a positive step for Sithole’s career and could benefit Bafana Bafana as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.