Mamelodi Sundowns forward Thabang Sibanyoni has completed a season-long loan move to DStv Premiership side Richards Bay FC.
The 28-year-old attacker spent the 2023/24 season at AmaTuks, marking his fifth loan spell since his promotion to the Sundowns first team in the 2019/20 season.
His first loan spell was with JDR Stars and apart from two spells at AmaTuks, he has also had stints with Sekhukhune United and SuperSport United.
He only has one season of top-flight experience under his belt, playing for SuperSport in the 2022/23 season. All his other loan spells were in the second tier.
Last season, Sibanyoni was a key contributor for the University of Pretoria, he netted nine goals, helping them reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs.Â
However, they ultimately fell short of securing top-flight promotion, with Richards Bay retaining their spot.Â
Meanwhile, his good displays earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that played COSAFA recently. He scored the only goal of the match when Helman Mkhalele’s side beat Mozambique Eswatini 1-0.
Sibanyoni’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns was set to expire at the end of June. However, the Brazilians exercised their one-year option on him.
SIBANYONI WAS IN THE WISH-LOST OF FOUR CLUBSÂ
The striker was also coveted by Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC, who all desired him on loan. However, Richards Bay FC appears to have won the race for his signature.
Sibanyoni is expected to see out the entire season on loan at the KZN club before returning to Sundowns at the end of the campaign. By then, his contract with the DStv Premiership champions will have expired, leaving his future with the club uncertain.
Sibanyoni joins several signings that the club has made to strengthen the team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.Â
So far, Richards Bay have secured Siyethemba Sithebe, Keegan Allan, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Fezile Gcaba, Sbani Khumalo and Thabiso Kutumela.
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