Bafana Midfielder Extends Stay In Portugal

Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole has extended his contract with Portuguese club CD Tondela.

Sithole, who scored his first international goal when Bafana Bafana beat Zambia 3-0 in a friendly at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in October, has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.

“CD Tondela – Futebol, SAD, informs that it has reached an agreement with Yaya Sithole for the renewal of the contract that now binds the two parties until the end of June 2027,” said the club. 

“Having arrived at our Club in 2023/24, the best season of the South African international’s career, Yaya Sithole returned to Tondela this season and is, game after game, improving his performance and importance for the team, so it was only natural that the contract extension process was completed. 

“CD Tondela – Futebol, SAD, informs that it has reached an agreement with Yaya Sithole for the renewal of the contract that now binds the two parties until the end of June 2027,” said the club. 

“Having arrived at our Club in 2023/24, the best season of the South African international’s career, Yaya Sithole returned to Tondela this season and is, game after game, improving his performance and importance for the team, so it was only natural that the contract extension process was completed. 

“Upon renewing his contract, Yaya Sithole made it clear why he was saying “yes” again to the Tondela team.  

“I am naturally very happy with this renewal. It’s a sign of confidence that CD Tondela places in me. Tondela is undoubtedly a special club, the city and the people who love CDT make me feel at home, and for all these reasons it was easy to extend my contract and continue as a member of the club. Now, it’s about focusing on what we have to do, all together, training session by training session, game by game, to achieve our goals,” he stated. 

Currently with 39 games wearing the Tondela emblem on his chest, Yaya Sithole recently secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with his national team, and has also secured a place in South Africa’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. We’re in this together, Yaya. 

Sithole was included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.