Richards Bay coach Sifiso Biyela has confirmed that Brandon Truter remains the club’s coach, despite recent speculation suggesting he was under pressure to deliver results.

Biyela’s frustration was evident after the team’s semi-final defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout. The chairman’s angry reaction and Truter’s subdued demeanor fueled rumors of potential changes.

However, Biyela, who was elected in the PSL as the new executive member on Wednesday at the PSL’s Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) along with TS Galaxy’s Tim Sukazi and Polokwane City’s Johnny Mogaladi, clarified the situation, emphasizing that the emotional response was a momentary reaction and that Truter’s position is secure.

“Football is an emotional sport,” said Biyela. 

“You react in whatever way that you react at that particular moment and there is no bad blood between myself and the coaches. 

“As we are speaking here, he is training the team in Richards Bay, he is still part of the team. I have seen all that you guys are talking about him being fired, I can categorically say that he is still part of the team. 

“Obviously, we will try and find ways of improving in areas where we feel that we are not doing right. But we are not in the business of chopping and changing. 

“If you have been in football and know if you come with the new coach here, he will come and tell you that ‘You don’t have players, we must do this, we need another three months of not getting results’. 

“So, it is better to work with someone that you know and you also where you know exactly his strengths, weaknesses for you to assist him in terms of improving on those weaknesses than to chop and change coaches.”  

Richards Bay currently sits 12th in the Betway Premiership, with only one goal scored and five conceded in seven matches. The club’s primary concern lies in their lack of offensive output.

Biyela was asked if he has any regrets about letting go of Vusi Vilakazi, who left the club in the dark cloud after the playoffs and was replaced by Truter. 

“I never let him go, he resigned,” said Biyela. 

Before adding: “He is having his own life at the moment with AmaZulu (as the co-coaches with Arthur Zwane).  

“I had other coaches before Vilakazi, so there is nothing to regret to be honest. Right now, Brandon Truter is the coach of Richards Bay. My responsibility as the chairman of Richards Bay is to support him up to the point where I feel that he can’t do anything to improve. But as it is now, I’m fine with him.”