South African star Sphephelo Sithole has suffered a fresh setback at his club, Gil Vicente.
Sithole has not played since sustaining a tibia and fibula fracture in September 2024 while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
Despite spending more than 150 days sidelined and missing 21 games for his club so far, there is still no indication of when he will return from his career-halting injury, as per Transfermarkt.
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In the midst of it all, Sithole has been dealt another blow, as he is now certain to return to full fitness under a different manager at Gil Vicente, the club he joined on a season-long loan in July 2024.
On Tuesday, Gil Vicente parted ways with their coach Bruno Pinheiro following a run of four successive defeats, during which they conceded seven goals and scored only one.
"Gil Vicente FC confirms that Bruno Pinheiro has left the Galos' technical command, by mutual agreement. Gil Vicente FC thanks the work and dedication of both Bruno Pinheiro and his assistants Emanuel Mesquita and João Coimbra, who are also leaving their positions.
"At this time, the Gilistas' main team will be managed by José Pedro Pinto, coach of the Gil Vicente FC under-19s, a team currently competing in the championship qualification phase."
This marks the second time a manager has been dismissed during Sithole's time at the club. The coach who initially brought him to Gil Vicente from his parent club, CD Tondela, Tozé Marreco, was sacked just five matches into the season.
Worryingly, Sithole's lengthy spell on the sidelines could complicate his future.
The Bafana star's one-year loan deal includes an option to extend by another season. However, it remains uncertain whether the Portuguese top-flight team will trigger that option, given that Sithole has played just two games in all competitions for Gil Vicente this term.
Adding to his troubles, Gil Vicente are now only three points away from the relegation zone.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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