Thabani Zuke is on his way to join Richards Bay, having been released by Golden Arrows a few weeks ago, Sportswire has been informed.

Zuke and Knox Mutizwa, the club’s all-time leading scorer, were let go by Abafana Bes’Thende for undisclosed misconduct, with coach Manqoba Mngqithi declining to comment on the reasons to the media.

While Mutizwa’s next move remains uncertain, Zuke has quickly secured his future. Sources indicate to this website that he will be among the new signings for Richards Bay next season.

A versatile player, the 26-year-old Zuke can play both as a central defender and in central midfield. He was promoted to the Arrows first team during the 2019/20 season and had been linked with a move to Richards Bay for the upcoming season, as his contract with Arrows was due to expire at the end of the current campaign. AmaZulu were also reportedly monitoring his situation.

Zuke was appointed Arrows captain following Nkosinathi Sibisi’s transfer to Orlando Pirates before the 2022/23 season. However, he suffered an ACL injury that kept him out for a significant part of the last season. Consequently, the captaincy was passed to Gladwin Shitolo and Nduduzo Sibiya, with Shitolo currently holding the role.

During his time with Arrows, Zuke played 93 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

He will join a Richards Bay side that has avoided the relegation playoffs this season. They currently sit 11th in the Betway Premiership table with 30 points after 27 matches, three points ahead of 13th-placed Arrows, who have three games in hand.

With only one game remaining against SuperSport United away this coming weekend, the lowest position Richards Bay can finish is 14th. This scenario would only occur if SuperSport gain points in their three games in hand, along with the rearranged game against Arrows, which was abandoned in February due to a power failure.