Gabriel: Mbuthuma’s Departure A Big Loss

Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel acknowledged the departure of Bafana Bafana striker Yanela Mbuthuma to Orlando Pirates as a significant loss for the Natal Rich Boys.

Mbuthuma scored five crucial goals for the Natal Rich Boys in the Betway Premiership last season, catching the attention of the Buccaneers, which was enough to fire them to finish in the top for the first time.

The 23-year-old striker made his debut for Pirates on Saturday in their 2-0 victory against Polokwane City in the MTN8 Cup quarterfinal.

“If we speak about Mbuthuma, he was a big loss for the team because he did very well for us last season and he scored many important goals for us,” Gabriel said after the loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. 

“But I think it’s good that he went to the team like Pirates. I think we managed to replace him with Gabadinho Mhango because Mhango is a quality striker and he’s been scoring many goals in the PSL for the past season.”

Gabriel expressed confidence that Mhango, a veteran striker who previously played for Pirates, would fill the void left by Mbuthuma’s departure.

Mhango made his debut for Richards Bay against Sundowns, coming on as a substitute for 19-year-old Ntlonelo Bomelo in the 65th minute.

“I think he could give us the goals that Mbuthuma gave us last season,” Gabriel added.

“So, the signings that we made, we were supposed to make them because we lost the striker and we also lost (Nkosikhona) Ndaba, and we got another good left back.”

The 22-year-old Ndaba also joined the Buccaneers, but he didn’t feature in their match against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Sunday. Deon Hotto started at left back for the Buccaneers instead.

Despite the departures, Gabriel believes the signings made by the Natal Rich Boyz were necessary to strengthen the team.