FARPost has been reliably informed that ex-AmaZulu FC right-back Thembela Sikhakhane and Ugandan forward Joel Madondo are currently undergoing trials at Betway Premiership side Richards Bay FC.
Sikhakhane, 32, has been a free agent since July 2025 after parting ways with AmaZulu FC. He was a high-profile casualty of Usuthu’s massive squad overhaul, which saw the club release 16 players at once.
The Ulundi-born defender’s career peak came in 2016 when he made a high-profile move from Golden Arrows to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. However, following a single season with the Buccaneers, he spent three years on loan at AmaZulu before making the move to the Durban-based side permanent in 2020.
Sikhakhane, who is currently trying to earn a contract at Richards Bay, had initially held talks with Midlands Wanderers before turning his attention to the ‘Natal Rich Boyz’. However, a close informant confirmed that negotiations collapsed after the parties failed to reach a mutual agreement.
Sikhakhane offers a wealth of top-flight experience, boasting over 204 league appearances and 40 domestic cup outings across four different clubs.
MADONDO EYES PSL SWITCH
The publication has also learned that Nsingizini Hotspurs forward Joel Madondo is being assessed by the KZN club.
The Ugandan international joined the Eswatini-based giants last July. Despite having spent only six months in Eswatini, he is already eyeing a move to the South African top flight. It is understood that the striker first caught the eye of the Richards Bay technical team in November, when the two sides met in the semi-finals of the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup.
While both players, Sikhakhane and Madondo were spotted in action for Richards Bay during an unofficial friendly against Midlands Wanderers on Friday, the club has remained tight-lipped.
Speaking to FARPost, Richards Bay chairman Jomo Biyela urged for patience regarding the club’s mid-season business.
“The club will make an announcement regarding new signings and loans this Sunday. Please be patient and wait for the official update,” Biyela insisted.
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