Richards Bay coach Vusi Vilakazi is salivating about the club’s new signings ahead of next season, predicting improved performance.

The team has acquired former Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe, Keagan Allan from SuperSport United, Thabiso Kutumela from Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlakusani Mthethwa from Moroka Swallows, and two relatively unknown players, Sbani Mntungwa and Fezile Gcaba, from lower divisions.

In addition to these signings, Richards Bay unveiled a R100 million, three-year sponsorship deal with Phakwe Gas. The club will receive R20 million annually, while R40 million will be allocated to the construction of a new training facility.

“Next season will be significantly better,” Vilakazi admitted. “We dominated last season despite having a largely inexperienced squad. Now, we have added experience to the mix. We need to balance the two groups, but even the so-called inexperienced players impressed. The new signings will face competition for places and must work hard to earn their spots.

“I’m confident in our squad, but we’re still in discussions with the chairman about signing another striker.”

Sportswire has learned that the striker Vilakazi seeks is Thabang Sibanyoni, who proved a formidable opponent during the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs last season. Sibanyoni was on loan at University of Pretoria from Mamelodi Sundowns.

While declining to confirm the signing, Vilakazi expressed a desire for a tall target man to add a different dimension to the team. “Yes, sir,” he replied with a smile.