Richards Bay Rejects R70 Million Offer For Club Status

Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela has confirmed he rejected a R70 million offer from another Betway Premiership club interested in acquiring the team’s top-flight status.

Biyela stated that selling the club is out of the question, emphasizing its importance as a legacy for local talent.

A Legacy Beyond Price

“We were approached for R70 million, and we have turned it down,” Biyela announced at a player unveiling event in Richards Bay on Tuesday. “We rejected the offer because, to us, it’s a legacy.”

Biyela highlighted the club’s unique role in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in providing opportunities for players from the Northern parts of the province.

Richards Bay was established in 2017 after Thanda Royal’s top-flight status was sold to AmaZulu, with Biyela then purchasing AmaZulu’s National First Division (NFD) status at the time.

The club recently achieved a significant milestone by finishing in the top eight of the Betway Premiership for the first time in its history last term.

While the identity of the bidding club remains undisclosed, it’s a known fact that John Comitis was keen to buy a PSL top-flight status after Cape Town City was relegated last season via the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs.

New Signings Bolster Squad

Richards Bay officially confirmed several new signings to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season:

• Thabani Zuke from Golden Arrows
• Gabadinho Mhango from Marumo Gallants
• Lindo Mtshali from Sekhukhune United
• Benson Mangola from Jwaneng Galaxy
• Halalisani Vilakazi from Orbit College

The club has also brought in lesser-known players, including Siboniso Madonsela, Philani Khumalo, Lundi Mahala, Mbulelo Nombengula, and Olwethu Mbambo.

Player Departures Confirmed

Biyela also confirmed several player sales and releases:

• Justice Figareido and Somila Ntsundwana have been sold to Chippa United. The club is awaiting the transfer fee for Ntsundwana before issuing his clearance.
• Nkosikhona Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma were sold to Orlando Pirates.
• Thato Mohamme, Mxolisi Macuphu, Thabiso Kutumela, Sboniso Congo, Romario Dlamini, and Siyabonga Dube were all released.

Regarding Keagan Allan, Biyela chose not to comment on the matter, despite the club having a one-year option to renew his contract. Allan has since signed with AmaZulu.

Additionally, Mduduzi Mdantsane has returned to Kaizer Chiefs after his loan spell last season.