Richards Bay FC chairman Sfiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela has revealed how Tlakusani Mthethwa evokes memories of the late Siphamandla Mtolo, a former captain of the Natal Rich Boyz.
Mtolo tragically passed away on 7 March 2023 after collapsing during a training session. He served as the captain of the Zululand outfit and was instrumental in their promotion to the top-flight.
Biyela notes that Mthethwa’s footballing qualities and leadership abilities on the pitch remind him of the late midfielder, who was on a path to achieving great success.
JOMO BIYELA IDENTIFIES SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TLAKUSANI MTHETHWA AND LATE SIPHAMANDLA MTOLO
“I have hope in him, in fact he’s a player I admire a lot,” said Biyela in an interview with UKhozi FM.
“He reminds me of our captain Mtolo the way he plays, similar type of football.
“I think we did very well by signing him. You can see the way he plays, he performs very well not just today but also in training and everywhere.
“You can see he’s also a leader and we are happy to have many leaders in the club.”
Mthethwa joined Richards Bay following his exit from Moroka Swallows who sold their status to Marumo Gallants at the end of the last season.
He has taken part in both the KZN Premier’s Cup and the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Betway Premiership season.
Biyela expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in the Legacy Cup last weekend, asserting that they possess sufficient depth to steer clear of the relegation zone, unlike the previous season.
BIYELA HAPPY WITH SQUAD DEPTH
“This was important because we have a game next weekend at home against TS Galaxy,” he added.
“As much as I’m not a coach but I can tell you now that there are players that I can see already that they will start the game.
“This was a good preparation for us especially the last one before we start the season.
“I’m happy with what I’ve seen, we have a depth because we played with two different teams meaning that we do have quality at this time.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the league next season.”
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