Thabani Zuke has moved a step closer to joining Sekhukhune United after the PSL declared him a free agent following his contractual dispute with Richards Bay FC, FARPost has learnt.
The 28-year-old defender approached the league after Richards Bay informed him he was no longer part of their plans, but the club did not issue his clearance. Zuke still had another year remaining on his contract with the Natal Rich Boyz, which was set to run until the end of the 2026/27 season.
FARPost understands that the former Golden Arrows captain has now won his case, removing an obstacle that had delayed his proposed switch to Sekhukhune. The versatile defender has already passed his medical at Babina Noko and impressed the club’s technical team during an assessment period.
His free-agent status now allows Sekhukhune to proceed with the potential signing without negotiating a transfer fee with Richards Bay.
ZUKE COULD REUNITE WITH ZOTHWANE
If the move goes through, Zuke would reunite with Sekhukhune interim coach Papi Zothwane, who knows him well from their time together at Golden Arrows and Richards Bay.
Zothwane worked extensively with Zuke at Arrows in different capacities, including as an assistant coach in the senior team and within the club’s reserve side. The pair crossed paths again at Richards Bay last season, where Zothwane served as co-coach alongside Ronnie Gabriel.
Zuke joined the Natal Rich Boyz from Arrows at the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign and made 23 appearances across all competitions, operating both at centre-back and in midfield.
At the peak of his career, he earned two international caps under former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Zuke featured in both matches against Ethiopia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October 2021.
Zothwane recently stepped in as interim coach at Sekhukhune following Cedric Kaze’s dismissal. Interestingly, he will guide Babina Noko against his former club Richards Bay on Saturday in a Betway Premiership encounter.
He is still searching for his first victory at the helm, having drawn twice against TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC.
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