Sphephelo S'Miso "Yaya" Sithole (born 3 March 1999) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club CD Tondela and the South Africa national team.
Club career Sithole made his professional debut with B-SAD in a 1–1 Primeira Liga tie with Braga on 15 July 2020.
On 11 July 2023, following B-SAD's relegation from the Liga Portugal 2, Sithole signed a two-year contract with Tondela.
On 22 July 2024, Sithole joined Primeira Liga club Gil Vicente on a season-long loan deal with the option to purchase.
International career On 1 December 2025, Sithole was called up to the South Africa squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
On 12 June 2026, in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sithole received a red card after 50 minutes of play for denying Mexico midfielder Brian Gutiérrez a goal scoring opportunity, becoming the first player to be sent off in the tournament.
Career statistics International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSouth Africa2022302023602024120202551202681Total342
Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sithole goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Sphephelo SitholeNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, South Africa3–03–1Friendly2Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt3–05–02027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
Honours South Africa
Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2023
References
External links