The going has really been tough for Richards Bay FC, who started their maiden season like a house on fire and led the race during the first round of the recently ended DStv Premiership campaign. However, their flying start fizzled out as the second round kicked in and they found themselves holding on for dear life as they were sucked into the relegation dogfight towards the end of the season.
Statistics do not lie and three draws and 12 losses out of 15 second round matches was a clear sign that the side was completely out of their depths when the chasing pack started putting in the squeeze trying to catch up with the leaders.
When the honeymoon period wore off and the demands of bit time football kicked in, they were found wanting and, at one stage, rumours emerged that the team, without corporate backing, went through a financial meltdown.
There were allegations and rumours swirling around the Rich Boyz that they were unable to meet their financial obligations and at times even missed paying their players, but at least there had never been reports of players threatening to strike … and so they saw the season through. However, the Siya crew has been led to believe that the club has evaluated the season that has just ended and word out there is that, unless they attract a huge corporate partner, the KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit will seriously listen to offers.
How much of a blow would this be for KZN football?
