A Belgian star who is eligible to represent Bafana Bafana has joined a new club in France.
Ayanda Sishuba, the son of former South African footballer Asanda Sishuba, has signed for Montpellier on loan from Stade Rennes.
The move comes after the young attacker was left out of Rennes’ plans for this season, with the club’s coaching staff believing it would be best for him to gain more game time elsewhere.
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Sishuba now becomes the second player with South African lineage to represent Montpellier, following in the footsteps of Keagan Dolly.
"In search of an additional option to strengthen their attacking department, MHSC have secured the signing of young attacking midfielder Ayanda Sishuba," Montpellier wrote on their official website.
"Born in Kortrijk (Belgium), and having come through the youth academies at Lille and then Lens, it was with the Sang et Or that this attacking midfielder — capable of playing either behind the striker or out wide — signed his first professional contract in December 2021.
"Having made seven appearances with Lens’ first team during the 2023–2024 season, Sishuba then went on loan to Hellas Verona (Italy) for the first six months of the 2024–2025 campaign. It was there that Stade Rennais (a club featuring several former Lens players) came for him last February.
"Over the past six months, this Belgian U17, U18 and U19 international has adapted to his new environment and even featured in a Ligue 1 match — against MHSC at La Mosson on 2 March.
"The son of former South African international midfielder Asanda Sishuba (who spent most of his career in Belgium), Ayanda now joins MHSC on loan, with the aim of gaining experience and playing time, while helping the Pailladin club achieve its goals.
"Welcome to our new number 28."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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