Richards Bay FC co-coach Ronnie Gabriel has pinned his hope for goals on one of the club’s new signings, acknowledging the big void left by Yanela Mbuthuma.
The 23-year-old striker, Mbuthuma, joined Orlando Pirates from Richards Bay in this transfer window along with Nkosikhona Ndaba.-
He was one of the debutants for the Buccaneers in their 2-0 win over Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-final, which took place at the Orlando Stadium this past Saturday.
Gabriel stated that Gabadinho Mhango, who joined on a free transfer from Marumo Gallants, was specifically brought in as a “like-for-like” replacement for the departed Mbuthuma, strengthening the team’s centre-forward position.
The Richards Bay mentor believes that the Malawian star will be the man to rely on for goals in this season.
GABRIEL ON FILLING VOID LEFT BY MBUTHUMA
“If you speak about Mbuthuma, he was a loss to the team. He did very well for us last season,” said Gabriel.
“He got us a few goals and it’s good that he went to a team like Pirates but we managed to replace him with Mhango. We went for the like for like who’s a quality striker.
“We believe that he’s got goals in the PSL. Maybe he could give us the goals that Mbuthuma gave us last season. The signings we made were for like for like signings.
“We lost the striker, we managed to get one. We lost our left-back Ndaba as well but we got the replacement [Sbani Mntungwa]. So, the positions that we lost, we managed to replace them adequately and going into the new season, I believe we will be fine.”
Mhango was given minutes in the Natal Rich Boyz’ clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN quarter-final on Sunday evening.
Richards Bay will open their Betway Premiership campaign with a home match against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 9 August at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
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