Richards Bay FC and head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi have unexpectedly decided to go their separate ways, even though Vilakazi recently signed a new contract with the team.
Vilakazi helped the KZN club retain their top-flight status after winning the PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs early in June. He was then rewarded with a contract renewal that would have kept him at the club for another season.
However, following the arrival of new sponsors, Phakwe Gas, there was a push to bring in an experienced coach. The technical team shake-up is seemingly triggered by the team’s new R100 million sponsor, Phakwe Gas, as the company’s CEO, Thabiso Tenyane, hinted at significant changes within the coaching staff during a media briefing last month.
Tenyane indicated the sponsor’s intention to take a hands-on approach to the club’s management, foreshadowing a new era for Richards Bay FC. “The other surprise that is coming, it will be the coach,” he said.
VILAKAZI OUT AS RICHARDS BAY FC HEAD COACH
According to information reaching FARPost, the club has been in talks with several coaches with the intention of bringing in an experienced head coach.
Former Golden Arrows coach Vilakazi was earmarked for the assistant coach role, and indications are that the club sought to modify the terms of the recently agreed-upon contract, prompting Vilakazi to submit his resignation.
Sources close to the club also revealed that Richards Bay’s management attempted to introduce new terms into Vilakazi’s contract, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
FARPost can confirm that the two parties have since reached a settlement agreement. Vilakazi’s sudden departure will come as a surprise to many, as the coach had appeared to be a key part of Natal Rich Boys’ plans for the future.
His recent contract extension signalled the club’s confidence in his abilities. However, the club now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach in the midst of the season. This unexpected change could potentially disrupt the team’s momentum and performance.
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