DStv Premiership youngster opens up on failed overseas move

A youngster competing in the DStv Premiership has opened up about his failed move to Portugal at Bongani Zungu’s former club Vitória Guimarães SC.

The utility player has caught the eyes of many with his recent good performances for Stellenbosch FC in the PSL.

Before being signed by Stellies at the start of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign, Qobolwakhe Sibande was on the wishlist of Portuguese side Victoria Guimaraes.

The director at Stars of Africa Football Academy Farouk Khan who was spear heading Sibande’s move to Portugal has expressed his disappointment on how the player was taken to a different club without his knowledge.

“Look, Qobolwakhe Sibande is a top talent, and I feel you guys haven’t seen the best of him,” Farouk told FARPost.

“Sibande was in our Academy and we were working on a move to take him abroad but he was taken to Stellenbosch without our knowledge.

“I take nothing away from Stellenbosch and Steve Barker. They’ve done well with giving youngsters a platform, but Sibande would have been better of in Europe,” added Farouk.

This publication reached out to Sibande who claimed that the Portugal move took too long to materialise.

“It’s every player’s dream in South Africa to get an opportunity to play in Europe,” Sibande said.

“So I was made aware of the move to Portugal but everything was just taking too long, he[Farouk Khan] kept on postponing.

“When the opportunity to join Stellenbosch FC came I took it with both hands because I needed to have a professional contract.

“I know that if another opportunity to go play in Europe come again, Stellenbosch won’t stand in my way so it’s not the end of the world.”

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC will be looking to overcome Sekhukhune United in Nedbank Cup semi-final at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday, 7th of May. Kickoff off is at 18:00.

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