Latest news with #RichardsBay
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Kaizer Chiefs transfer target not here to ‘impress big teams'
'I don't pay attention to that a lot because I play to entertain people,' the Richards Bay striker told FARPOST. Yanele Mbuthuma is reportedly on the radar of Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: Backpagepix Kaizer Chiefs transfer target Yanele Mbuthuma has spoken out on his potential move to Amakhosi. ALSO READ: Bafana's Broos praises Pirates youngster Mbuthuma has recently signed a new contract at Richards Bay amid speculation that he is wanted by Chiefs for next season. Chiefs 'not in my mind' 'I don't pay attention to that a lot because I play to entertain people, not because I wanna impress big teams,' Mbuthuma told FARPOST. 'For now, that's not in my mind. I'm still okay at Richards Bay, so I can just prove myself even more.' The 23 year-old forward scored six goals in all competitions this season for the Natal Rich Boyz. He added that he was surprised to be called up by Bafana. 'I'm very happy that I have been given an opportunity and was called to the national team,' said Mbuthuma. 'I just want to score more goals so that I can progress even more and grow as a striker. 'I was very shocked when I got this opportunity because I wasn't expecting it. When I first started playing football, I wasn't even picturing myself at this level.' Amakhosi look to improve squad Chiefs are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season, after a disappointing Betway Premiership campaign saw Nasreddine Nabi's side finish ninth in the table, and miss out on a place in next season's MTN8. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso reacts to Zwane non-selection It was Richards Bay who ultimately made it into the top eight when they beat SuperSport United 2-0 in their final Premiership match of the season, with Mbuthuma one of the goalscorers.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target breaks silence on transfer talk
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have been circling one of the PSL's brightest young prospects, Yanela Mbuthuma of Richards Bay FC. But the 23-year-old striker has finally broken his silence, downplaying the growing speculation while sharing his amazement at receiving a surprise call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad. Since his move to the Natal Rich Boyz at the start of the 2022/2023 season, Mbuthuma has steadily carved out a name for himself. He quickly became a first-team regular and has since amassed 10 goals and eight assists in 83 appearances across all competitions. Mbuthuma's consistent form caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Mozambique and Tanzania. Despite his growing reputation, the humble forward admits he was stunned by the news. 'I'm very happy that I have been given an opportunity and was called to the national team,' said Mbuthuma, as quoted by FARPost . 'I was very shocked when I got this opportunity because I wasn't expecting it. When I first started playing football, I wasn't even picturing myself at this level. So, I'm still shocked.' Mbuthuma's name has been frequently mentioned in connection with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. With reports suggesting that both clubs have made enquiries. However, any potential move won't come cheap, he recently signed a new five-year deal with Richards Bay, firmly committing his future to the club. Despite the noise, Mbuthuma says his focus remains firmly on his personal growth. 'I don't pay attention to that a lot because I play to entertain people. Not because I wanna impress big teams,' he said. 'For now, that's not in my mind. I'm still okay at Richards Bay, so I can just prove myself even more.' Mbuthuma's grounded approach sets him apart in a league known for quick rises and even quicker falls. With his eyes fixed on improving as a player, and not on glamour moves or headlines. He is quietly becoming one of South African football's most exciting prospects. Whether he eventually makes the leap to a Soweto giant or continues to shine at Richards Bay. One thing is certain, Yanela Mbuthuma is a name you'll be hearing a lot more of. Will Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates target be a good fit for either club? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
OFFICIAL: Kaizer Chiefs ditch academy star, now free-agent!
Kaizer Chiefs revealed the releasing of long-serving star Sabelo Radebe, who recently returned after a tumultuous loan spell from Richards Bay, amassing a measly two appearances. Their statement reads as follows: Kaizer Chiefs have officially parted ways with attacking midfielder, Sabelo 'Bibo' Radebe. Radebe, now 25, joined Amakhosi as a teenager and progressed through the junior ranks in the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy before moving up to the reserve team in the 2017/18 season. He signed after earning a spot in the senior team in the 2020/21 season, following an impressive performance in the DStv Diski Challenge. Last season, he had a one year loan spell at KwaZulu-Natal based, Richards Bay FC. We wish 'Bibo' all the best in his future endeavours. Kaizer Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi has made it clear that his future at the club revolves around whether management will allow him to sign an array of players. 'I wouldn't be honest if say that I'm gonna stay if the club doesn't allow me to get all the tools to succeed next season because they have promised, and myself, I have promised the fans that I want to build a successful team that will compete in every competition to win trophies.' 'That's the condition for me to stay [at Kaizer Chiefs] because I don't feel that I want to go through what I went through this season.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
What did Orlando Pirates duo Mabasa, Makgopa do to offend Broos?
Orlando Pirates strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa are in the wilderness for Bafana Bafana again. What's going on there? Bafana boss Hugo Broos has again excluded Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa from his squad. The pair made a preliminary group of 42 but haven't made the final 23. Instead, Broos has opted for an array of wide attackers and a solitary central striker, Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma. Couldn't South Africa have benefited from having another traditional number 9 in this 23-man group? It begs the question: Does Broos have a vendetta against Mabasa Makgopa? The latter was a key component for Bafana at AFCON 2023, while Mabasa won the PSL Golden Boot in the 2023-2024 season. Pirates' best player is returning Head coach Hugo Broos at the press conference at the DHL Stadium. Image via Tarren Saunders The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. NINE Pirates players called up for Bafana Orlando Pirates snap up former Real Madrid opposition analyst? Do you think either Makgopa or Mabasa deserve to play for South Africa? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Can SuperSport United make it count against Golden Arrows to avoid PSL playoffs?
Matshelane Mamabolo | Published 15 minutes ago A MATCH that was supposed to have been a celebratory event for a seasoned coach will now be played with much greater significance. Back in February when SuperSport United hosted Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, the game was all about Gavin Hunt being in charge of his 1,000th professional match. The multiple championship-winning coach was given a guard of honour by both clubs as he walked onto the pitch, and the small crowd were on their feet applauding. But load-shedding spoiled it all, the match being stalled midway through the first half as the lights went off. Then that stanza was completed with the score at 1-1, following goals by Christian Saile and Willemson Ndwandwe, before the darkness and lack of a generator led to its abandonment. Three months later, the two teams will complete the match, with just the second half to be played at noon today at the same venue. It could well be different clubs playing this match – Hunt having long been fired from SuperSport, and his then-counterpart Musa Bilankulu demoted to the assistant role at an Arrows outfit now coached by Manqoba Mngqithi. Back then, both sides were mid-table outfits nursing hopes of a top-eight finish. But now they are bottom dwellers, with the KwaZulu-Natal side having a very slim chance of usurping Richards Bay in eighth place. SuperSport, on the other hand, need to get something out of this match like the desert needs the rain, desperately. Matsatsantsa a Pitori are in 15th place, and will go into the promotion-relegation playoffs with the two sides from the Motsepe Foundation Championship if they do not get at least a point. On the face of it, all they need do is keep Arrows from finding their net, and the former three-time league champions would have their status secured. But it will not be that easy, not with their recent wretched form that has seen them and victories resembling the parallel lines of the railway – destined never to meet. After every match they've played and lost, interim SuperSport coach Andre Arendse spoke confidently that they would do better in the next one. That has not happened, hence the situation they find themselves in. Last weekend, after they lost 2-0 to Richards Bay, the previously confident former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper cut a sorry and dejected figure as he tried to remain hopeful. He lamented their lack of luck, and said he hopes they will enjoy it this time around. They better do so, given the rumours that the club's status is going to be sold to a Free State consortium that wants to revive Bloemfontein Celtic. You can bet they will not want to buy a second division team. It will not be stretching it to say Arendse and his team are facing the most important 45 minutes of their careers. Will they make it count?
