Another Player Bids Farewell at Bay

Sifiso Biyela, chairman of Richards Bay, has announced the departure of striker Thabang Sibanyoni from the club.

Sibanyoni was initially brought to Bay on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns during the off-season, but the deal has been cut short after just six months.

The 28-year-old, who spent last season on loan at the University of Pretoria from Sundowns, participated in nine matches across all competitions with Richards Bay but did not manage to score.

Sibanyoni joined Bay after demonstrating impressive form with Tuks the previous season, proving to be a considerable challenge for the KwaZulu-Natal side during the Promotion/Relegation playoffs in June.

“We will not be extending the loan agreement with Sibanyoni,” Biyela told Sportswire.

Sibanyoni’s final match for Bay took place against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final under former coach Brandon Truter, resulting in a 1-0 loss at King Zwelithini Stadium in November.

After that match, he has missed the team’s last four games, including their win against Golden Arrows on 14 December.

This departure follows that of Siyethemba Sithebe, who had his contract terminated by the club after an incident of disrespect towards the technical team following their recent defeat to SuperSport United.

Currently sitting second from bottom with eight points from 11 matches, Bay is set to host league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.