Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela has confirmed that striker Thabang Sibanyoni has left the club.

Sibanyoni was signed by Bay from Mamelodi Sundowns on a season-long loan during the off-season, but the agreement has been terminated prematurely after only six months.

The 28-year-old, who was loaned to the University of Pretoria by Sundowns last season, appeared in nine matches across all competitions for Richards Bay without finding the back of the net.

Sibanyoni joined Bay after impressing with Tuks during the previous season, causing significant trouble for the KwaZulu-Natal side during the Promotion/Relegation playoffs in June.

“We will not be continuing with the loan agreement with Sibanyoni,” Biyela told Sportswire.

Sibanyoni’s last appearance for Bay was against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final under former coach Brandon Truter, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat at King Zwelithini Stadium in November.

Since then, he has been absent from the team’s last four matches, including their victory over Golden Arrows on 14 December.

Sibanyoni’s departure follows that of Siyethemba Sithebe, whose contract was terminated by the club after he showed disrespect towards the technical team following their loss to SuperSport United earlier this month.

Bay, currently second from bottom with eight points from 11 matches, will host league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.