Cape Town City’s rising teenage star, Luphumlo ‘Kaka’ Sifumba, is set to return to Europe for another opportunity to launch his career on the international stage, despite a tough spell during his previous stint in Portugal.
The 18-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as one of the most gifted young talents in South African football, made headlines in recent years for his silky skills, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo from the middle of the park. His nickname ‘Kaka’ — a nod to the Brazilian legend — reflects both his style of play and the expectations surrounding his potential.
Last season, Sifumba embarked on a loan spell in Portugal, hoping to gain valuable experience and possibly secure a permanent move to Europe. However, his stay proved more difficult than expected. He struggled for consistent game time and faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, playing style, and competitive environment far from home.
Sources close to the player suggest that while the experience was tough, it was also eye-opening and gave him a deeper understanding of the demands of European football. Despite the setbacks, scouts and clubs overseas remained intrigued by his raw talent and technical ability, which has drawn comparisons to some of South Africa’s finest midfielders.
Cape Town City, under coach Eric Tinkler, have continued to back the youngster, giving him opportunities in the DStv Premiership and nurturing his development. The club believes in Sifumba’s long-term potential and is supportive of his European ambitions.
Now, Sifumba has another chance to impress abroad. While details of the club and country involved remain under wraps, it’s believed that this latest move has been carefully planned to ensure better support structures are in place, giving the teenager a stronger platform to succeed.
Speaking to local media, a source within Cape Town City commented:
“Luphumlo is a special player. Yes, things didn’t go as planned in Portugal, but that’s part of the journey. He’s more mature now, understands what’s expected, and is hungry to prove himself. We believe this new opportunity is the right fit for him.”
With South African football hungry for the emergence of the next global star, all eyes will be on Sifumba as he embarks on this crucial chapter of his career. His success could not only ignite his own path to stardom but also open doors for other local talents dreaming of playing in Europe.
