Richards Bay FC chairman Sifiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela has addressed the criticism surrounding the signing of Gabadinho Mhango, offering his thoughts on the player’s behaviour and the club’s transfer window activity.
The PSL transfer window closed on Monday, September 22, with clubs finalising their deals by midnight. Richards Bay were particularly busy, bringing in over 10 new players. The KZN side signed a mix of young prospects and experienced veterans to bolster their squad across various positions. Notable new arrivals include Mhango, Lindokuhle Mtshali, and Thabani Zuke.
However, Richards Bay faced criticism for signing Mhango, who has a history of disciplinary issues at several of his former clubs, including his most recent team, Marumo Gallants.
Richards Bay chairman Sifiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela has since revealed that the striker has silenced his critics, maintaining good behaviour in his three months at the club as he joined in July. Biyela went on to express his contentment with all of the new signings.
“You must go for what you want and what you need, not what is available in the market,” Biyela stated. “Right now, we are fine; we have people in all positions. To be honest, I’m impressed with all the players we’ve signed—the way they’ve fit into the team and the commitment they have.”
Biyela added: “There was a lot of noise about his behaviour when we signed Mhango, but he has been here for three months and there hasn’t been a single issue,” Biyela said. The 32-year-old striker has scored one goal in eight league appearances for the club.
WHO HAS IMPRESSED THE RICHARDS BAY FC CHAIRMAN SO FAR IN THE NEW SEASON?
Richards Bay has bolstered its squad with a host of exciting young talent, including several players promoted from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team, such as Wandile Ngema.
Among the standout prospects is 21-year-old Siyabonga Nzama, who scored his first senior goal in the 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC last Saturday in the league. DDC graduate Sbani Mntungwa, 23, has also made an impression, earning a Man of the Match award in his performance against TS Galaxy.
Biyela has admitted that of all the new arrivals, he has been most impressed by the club’s young prospects. “I have been impressed with our youngsters, the way they have improved and the way they are growing,” he declared. “The likes of Ngema, Nzama, Mntungwa and all those boys. The reason why I am impressed by them is because they are youngsters who are trying to make a name for themselves.”
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