Kaizer Chiefs to pull plug on Bafana Bafana star transfer despite long-term admiration.
Amakhosi have officially cooled their interest in midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole, a source close to the club confirms. The Portuguese-based player, currently on the books of Gil Vicente in Liga Portugal 2, has remained a name on Chiefs’ radar for some time. However, the club has now decided to back off.
Previously this publication reported that Chiefs weighed the option of bringing in Sithole or retaining Njabulo Blom. But fresh intel reveals that the Glamour Boys have chosen to stick with their current midfield options instead of pursuing the 26-year-old.
Overcrowded midfield forces Chiefs to re-think strategy
“There are some decisions which the team is believed to be taking because of the players they already have,” a source explained. “You see with Yaya (Sithole), there are about four players already in that position in Edson Castillo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Samkelo Zwane, as well as Yusuf Maart if he will still be around. So, the club apparently feels that position will be overloaded, so that’s why they are believed to be withdrawing from signing Yaya.”
Amakhosi have taken a strategic view of their midfield setup. With depth already present and several players competing for the same role. So signing another central midfielder no longer aligns with the club’s current structure.
Injury concerns tip the scales against Sithole
While Sithole remains a talented prospect, his recent injury while on international duty with Bafana Bafana raised red flags among Chiefs’ scouts. The lack of recent match fitness and uncertainty around his recovery played a pivotal role in the club’s decision.
“The injury has affected the whole move,” the source continued. “The club scouts and recruiters feel like it would be a risk signing him as he has been out for a long time due to injury, though he is a good player. And the other issue is the club is still looking at the possibility of keeping Njabulo Blom. Which means they would not need Sithole and that’s the other reason why they are backtracking on signing him.”
Sithole’s limited game time seals the deal
Sithole has only made a handful of appearances this season in Portugal. A stat that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Chiefs’ technical team. Despite his quality, the combination of injury woes and a packed midfield has effectively shut the door on a potential move to Naturena.
With Chiefs focusing on strengthening other areas and nurturing their existing midfield talent,. The chapter on Sithole’s potential return to South African football, at least with Amakhosi, appears to be closed for now.
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