Richards Bay Football Club is actively shaping its squad for the upcoming season, with significant developments regarding the futures of key players coming to light.
As the current campaign draws to a close, the Natal Rich Boyz have been engaged in crucial discussions with the likes of Tshepo Mabua and Justice Figareido.
In a significant boost for the club’s stability and defensive line, FARPost have confirmed that Tshepo Mabua, the team’s left-back, has inked a contract extension with Richards Bay.
The club’s management reportedly holds the 30-year-old in high regard and anticipates his continued valuable contributions in the Betway Premiership.
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Mabua’s journey with Richards Bay began in September 2020 when he joined the then Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit from the now-defunct Real Kings.
His acquisition was orchestrated under the leadership of Simo Dladla, the head coach at the time, who had previously nurtured Mabua’s talent during their shared tenure at Real Kings. The experienced defender played a pivotal role in Richards Bay’s historic promotion to the South African top-flight in 2022.
Since making the step up, Mabua has been a consistent presence in the team, amassing an impressive 81 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists from his defensive position. His commitment and experience are undoubtedly seen as crucial assets for the club moving forward.
Meanwhile, the future of another influential player, Justice Figareido, is also becoming clearer. With his current contract set to expire in June 2025, indications suggest that the club is poised to offer the versatile attacker an extension.
Figareido arrived at the KwaZulu-Natal based outfit at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, joining from the now-defunct All Stars. Since his arrival, the 28-year-old has quickly established himself as an integral part of the Richards Bay squad, making 53 appearances in all competitions and registering a notable six goals and three assists.
His attacking prowess and adaptability have made him a valuable asset, and the potential contract extension signals the club’s desire to retain his services.
In addition to these contract updates, Richards Bay have been active in the transfer market as they confirmed the acquisitions of defender Sbangani Zulu and attacking midfielder Mfundo Thikazi, both arriving from the troubled Royal AM. These additions are expected to bolster the team’s defensive solidity and attacking creativity.
Conversely, the club has parted ways with two defenders, Siyabonga Dube and Romario Dlamini. These departures likely reflect the club’s strategic decisions regarding squad balance and the integration of new signings.
These developments indicate a proactive approach from Richards Bay FC as they look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season, securing the services of key players while strategically adding new talent and making necessary adjustments to their roster.