Richards Bay striker Yanela Mbuthuma has outlined his ambition to become the “best striker in Africa”.
The 23-year-old sharpshooter netted six goals in 27 games in all competitions this past season for the Natal Rich Boyz, alongside two assists.
He joined the Betway Premiership club at the beginning of the 2022/23 season and was arguably their best player last term as the club ended in eighth place.
Mbuthuma’s form saw him become a target for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates but he committed himself to Richards Bay by signing a new five-year contract.
He has also earned a cap with Bafana Bafana in a recent international friendly. After being an unused substitute during South Africa’s 0-0 draw against Tanzania on Friday, he started in the 2-0 win over Mozambique on Tuesday, before being replaced by Ashley Cupido in the second half.
The player told FARPost: “Here in South Africa, we don’t have many strikers and I just want to demonstrate my talent.
“I want to work hard as much as I can to become the best striker in Africa.
“In the upcoming season, all I want is to score more than ten goals because I can see the way I’ve been pushing, I can do that.
“I believe hard work is the skill I have to perform whenever I’m on the field.”