DStv Premiership newcomers Richards Bay have decided against signing veteran striker Siphelele Mthembu.
Mthembu trained with Richards Bay for close to a month, but the club opted against giving him a contract.
This was revealed by FARPost sources, with the former AmaZulu striker failing to impress the Natal Rich Boyz technical team.
MTHEMBU’s SEARCH FOR CLUB CONTIUES
FARPost also gathered that Mthembu’s age (35) was also a factor as he was deemed old, with Richards Bay stating that they have similar players to that of the ex-Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates hitman.
The Natal Rich Boyz had been looking for a striker, and the well-travelled forward Mthembu was considered a front runner to be added to the squad.
With coach Vasili Manousakis at Richards Bay, there was a strong belief that Mthembu would be signed as they worked together before at Usuthu and Cape Town City.
Mthembu, known as “Shaka Zulu”, was released by Usuthu at the end of last season, and indications at the time were that he would be joining Sekhukhune,
He was also linked with a move to Swallows but ended up training with Richards Bay and now remains clueless.
And as reported by this publication on Wednesday, the KwaZulu-Natal also parted ways with one of their new recruits.
They have released Matome Mabeba, free to find another club after his contract with Richards Bay was terminated by mutual consent after just three months.
Mabeba had joined Richards Bay from TS Sporting in June.
With the transfer window closing on Thursday at midnight, the Natal Rich Boyz have closed their books for the season, with co-coach Vasili confirming that after their league encounter against TS Galaxy on Sunday.
“No, we were hoping for something to boost the team, we spoke with the chairman [Jomo Biyela], and we will see in January,” Vasili told the media.
The KZN club made some good signings in this transfer window with the likes of Abel Mabaso, Nkanyiso Zungu, Sbusiso Mthethwa.
And Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Luvuyo Memela, Thulani Gumede, Michael Gumede joining them.
