Biyela Optimistic About Top Four Finish, Cautious On CAF

Despite boasting one of the youngest squads in the PSL, Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela believes his team can achieve a top-four finish next season. However, he emphasized that the club isn’t yet ready to compete in CAF club competitions.

Biyela, who hosted an event on Tuesday to introduce new players like Gabadinho Mhango, Thabani Zuke, and Lindo Mtshali, stated that Richards Bay could have realistically secured a top-four spot last season. He highlighted dropped points in crucial matches against Stellenbosch and SuperSport United as missed opportunities.

Reflecting on Last Season’s Success and Missed Opportunities

Richards Bay’s goalkeeper, Salim Magoola, was a standout performer last term, keeping an impressive 10 clean sheets in 19 matches. This strong defensive record significantly contributed to the Natal Rich Boyz’s historic eighth-place finish (with 33 points after 28 matches) – their best-ever performance in the club’s history.

Looking ahead, Richards Bay is set to face reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly anticipated MTN8 quarter-final clash away from home next month.

Biyela, known for his hands-on approach, confidently asserted the feasibility of a top-four finish. “The issue of top four is possible,” he stated. Recalling their away draw against Stellenbosch, he noted, “If you remembered when we played against Stellenbosch away, we drew with them 1-1 and they got the penalty when we led them in the entire game. I’m not saying it was not a penalty, I’m saying we were reckless for them to get a draw, and we lost two points, that would have been 35 points.”

He continued, lamenting another crucial fixture: “And we move to the game of SuperSport United at Kings Zwelithini Stadium. We gave the three points away, gift, gift, and we missed the penalty when there was no need. And that was three points, and we lost it. If you count that three and the other points, how many points are those? That is 40 points, and look, we are going to number three place now (much to the laughter in the background).”

Comparing their aspirations to a successful rival, Biyela added, “We are looking at Stellenbosch now (who finished third last term). What I’m saying, it is possible and not something like a pipe dream, it is something that is possible and something that we can achieve. We are going to get it. What I’m saying, we are trying to work on top of that, and we know how it slipped away from us last season, and we will rectify those mistakes not to slip away from us.”

Retaining Local Talent and Valuing Legacy

Despite key players like Nkosikhona Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma departing for Orlando Pirates after their impactful top-eight finish, Richards Bay proudly maintains a squad largely composed of players born in the Northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, the club’s home region.

This strong local identity is why Biyela turned down a lucrative R70 million offer allegedly from Cape Town City boss John Comitis, whose club was relegated last season via the PSL playoffs. Biyela firmly believes that legacy cannot be bought with money, especially after the hard work invested in reaching the PSL top-flight.

“The status is priceless; there is no value because that will hurt the legacy, try to others,” said Biyela. “R72 million, I might not have it, but no thank you. How can a club play outside Richards Bay for five years and when now it is going to play at home and then people hear the club has been sold? What do you call that? Where will I stay? That means [if I accept] I will stay in Jozi [forever] because where will I stay here?

“Imagine taking the package of R70 million and close shops because if I do that, if I knock here in future for help, they will say, ‘don’t ever consider because that man is rotten’.”

Biyela underscored the club’s deep connection to its community: “What I’m trying to say, we are really valuing the club, and it is not ours. We are appointed by people of King Cetshwayo, by people of Umhlathuze, this club belongs to the community although it is run by us. But it belongs to the community, and we are very proud to work for the community and put the community here on the map. Everyone knows Richards Bay.”