Kaizer Chiefs could revive their pursuit of Bafana Bafana and CD Tondela midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole during the current transfer window.
The 26-year-old is currently part of the South African squad competing in the FIFA World Cup in the United States and Mexico.
Sithole has featured once in the tournament so far, but his campaign suffered a setback after he received a red card in South Africa’s recent draw against the Czech Republic.
Earlier this year, Sithole openly expressed his desire to leave Portugal after spending nearly seven years in European football. The midfielder also confirmed that he held discussions with Kaizer Chiefs about a potential move to Naturena.
“I’ve talked to Kaizer Chiefs, I think it was last season,” Sithole told PowerFM Sport.
“I think I’m ready to compete wherever I can go because I’ve been in Europe for like six years, going into my seventh year.
“So I’m ready. It’s not like I’m going to be in a completely new environment. Whereas a South African player is going to Europe for the first time, I already know what is expected of me.
“I know the advantages that European football has given me, so it won’t be something new. I think wherever I go right now, I’m more than ready.”
Despite the player’s interest in a move, Sithole’s agent, Manuel Tomas, recently revealed that Chiefs never submitted an official offer.
“We don’t know what is going to happen because it’s football,” Tomas told FarPost.
“But we don’t have an official offer from Chiefs for Sithole. There were talks with people from the club, but they haven’t made an official offer.”
Tomas also admitted that the midfielder’s future remains uncertain.
“When the loan ends, we don’t know the future,” he added.
Can Sithole leave Portugal for Chiefs?
With Fernando da Cruz expected to reshape the squad ahead of the new season, Sithole could emerge as an attractive option in midfield. His experience in European football and ability to operate as a defensive midfielder would add quality and depth to the Amakhosi engine room.
Should Chiefs decide to pursue Sithole, the club may need to offload one of their current central midfielders, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Thabo Cele among the players who could face increased competition for places.