Portuguese club Tondela faces the imminent departure of experienced midfielder Yaya Sithole for the Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about his availability ahead of a key domestic fixture.
Sithole, 26, was included in the final squad announced Monday by South Africa’s national team coach Hugo Broos. His call-up means he will be absent from Tondela for several weeks.
The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin on the 21st of this month and conclude with the final on January 18, 2026.
Despite the call-up, Sithole is expected to play for Tondela against FC Porto on Sunday night. He will then join the South African national squad next week.
Tondela coach Cristiano Bacci will lose a regular starter and an experienced player from his squad. Sithole has been a key presence in the midfield since Ivo Vieira’s tenure as coach.
South Africa has been drawn into Group B for the tournament, where they will compete against Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.