KwaZulu Natal Football Academy graduate Sbusiso Shibane has put pen to paper with Portuguese Premier league club Portimonense Sporting Club Under 23 side on an undisclosed fee.
Affectionately known as Mabulala, Shibane signed for Portimonense SC a day after the KZN Academy announced that their three players in Sphephelo Sithole (19), Philani Jaca and Nkanyiso Shinga (both 18) had signed for Vitoria de Setubal of Portugal.
The 19-year-old striker spent approximately six months at Vitoria de Setubal last year, scoring four times in 14 appearances for the Under 19 side.
He was called up to the Victoria Setubal first team for a friendly match against Real Massama in March after playing well in the Portuguese National U19 championship play-offs.
The South Africa U20 international expressed his delight after signing on the dotted line with Portimonense SC.
“I have been treated very well on and off the field. The coaches and players have made me feel welcomed," Shibane told the KZN Academy.
“We have combined well with my teammates in the preparation training matches we have played so far, and I am looking forward to making a success of my stay here," said Shibane.
At Portimonense SC, the former KZN Football Academy player will be under the tutelage of former Arsenal and Orlando Pirates midfielder Luís Boa Morte, who is coaching the side.
Shibane joins the likes of Luther Singh, Thabo Cele, Simo Mbhele and Mihlali Mayambela, who continue to make South Africa proud in Europe at a very young age.
The KZN Football Academy wished Shibane well in his future at Portimonense.
