Richards Bay FC have moved swiftly to secure the future of several key players, announcing long-term contract extensions for five members of their squad.
With their place in next season’s Betway Premiership already confirmed following an impressive eighth-place finish, the club is clearly focused on building continuity and long-term competitiveness.
Yanela Mbuthuma, one of the league’s brightest young forwards and reportedly a long-time target for Kaizer Chiefs, has signed a new five-year deal that will keep him at the Zululand-based club until 2030. The 22-year-old has also attracted reported interest from Orlando Pirates after two standout seasons since arriving from the Khabba Cup – a prominent pre-season township tournament in Umlazi.
Since joining Richards Bay at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Mbuthuma has notched up 10 goals and seven assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. His consistent performances have also earned him recognition at national level, featuring in several Bafana Bafana preliminary squads, including the current 41-man group named for June’s international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.
In addition to Mbuthuma, Richards Bay have tied down Thulani Gumede, Wandile Ngema, Thabisa Ndelu, and Ntlonelo Bomelo – all of whom have signed new contracts of equal length. Lindokuhle “Sphuzo” Zikhali has also penned a fresh deal, though details of his contract duration have yet to be confirmed.
“Richards Bay Football Club is excited to announce that the following players-Thulani Gumede, Yanela Mbuthuma, Wandile Ngema, Thabisa Ndelu, Lindokuhle ‘Sphuzo’ Zikhali and Ntlonelo Bomelo- have agreed to sign new, improved contracts with the club,” the club said in an official statement.
“These players have signed another five years with the club, ending in 2030. The club would further like to thank them for their dedication and wish them well.”
The move underscores Richards Bay’s commitment to squad stability and talent retention as they aim to build on a breakthrough top-eight finish and establish themselves as a consistent force in South African top-flight football.