Kaizer Chiefs player tries to convince Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole to return to South Africa from Portugal and join him at Naturena

Imagine being on the receiving end of a call from a Kaizer Chiefs player saying, “Come join me at Naturena.”

That’s reportedly what’s been happening behind the scenes with Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole, the 26-year-old Bafana Bafana midfielder who’s been battling for minutes in Europe.

Now, there’s growing buzz that a friendly nudge from a Chiefs player could be tempting him back home to South Africa.

Could Sithole Be Heading to Naturena?

Sithole, currently on loan at Tondela from Portuguese side Gil Vicente, hasn’t had much luck this season—just two league appearances to his name.

That lack of game time could be playing a part in his possible interest in returning to the PSL, and Naturena seems to be the preferred destination.

One insider claimed earlier this year, “Yaya wants to come back to South Africa because a player persuaded him to join him at Naturena.”

The only sticking point? His contract situation.

Sithole’s deal with Gil Vicente runs until June 2026, which means any move would likely require either a transfer fee or the club agreeing to an early contract termination.

That’s a big “if”—but the interest seems genuine.

The Race for MTN8 Is Still On

While all this transfer talk brews, Kaizer Chiefs still have business to handle on the pitch.

The team’s hopes of playing in the MTN8 rest on two big results: a trip to Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 17 May at 15:00, followed by a home match against Polokwane City on Saturday, 24 May, also at 15:00.

Two wins will secure that top-eight finish.

Anything less could leave fans frustrated—again.

Coach Nabi: “Back Me or I’m Out”

Meanwhile, head coach Nasreddine Nabi isn’t holding back.

Fresh off winning his first trophy with the club, he’s making it clear to the Chiefs board: back me with the right tools, or I’ll walk.

“I wouldn’t be honest if I said I’m going to stay if the club doesn’t allow me to get all the tools to succeed next season,” he told SuperSport.

“They’ve made promises.

I’ve made promises to the fans.

I want to build a team that fights for trophies in every competition.”

In short, he’s ready to go all-in—if the club is too.

What’s Next for Yaya and Amakhosi?

Will Sphephelo Sithole make his way back to South Africa and reunite with a teammate-turned-recruiter? Can Chiefs seal their MTN8 spot and build something bigger under Nabi’s leadership?

Between transfer drama, contract hurdles, and a top-eight race, there’s no shortage of storylines to watch at Naturena.