A coastal club has moved swiftly to secure an experienced replacement as they reportedly prepare to lose a prized asset to Orlando Pirates.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Richards Bay are set to lose their 23-year-old South Africa striker Yanela Mbuthuma to Orlando Pirates.
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Now team owner and Chairman Sfiso Jomo Biyela has confirmed that the club has signed Frank Gabadinho Mhango on a two-year deal which will run from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2027.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Biyela confirmed how the club has tied down the Malawian international.
"Yes, it's true. We have signed Gabadinho Mhango for two years. As a team we are looking at building a strong team which will compete to finish in the top eight once again this coming season. And to do that we need to have experienced players like him. So we have signed him for two years for now," Biyela confirmed to Soccer Laduma.
An insider with connections across KwaZulu-Natal football circles stated that Mhango is a direct replacement for Mbuthuma who is believed to have signed for Pirates.
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"Both deals are as good as done. Gaba is joining Richards Bay for two years while Mbuthuma is believed to be joining Pirates for five years. So apparently this is a direct replacement but comes with more experience from Mhango," the second source told the Siya crew.
Mhango was recently released by Marumo Gallants after spending only one season with them after they bought Moroka Swallows' status, the club he was initially contracted to.
Last season while playing for Gallants, he scored goals but will be looking to contribute more in KZN.
The acquisition of Mhango represents a significant statement of intent from the Natal Rich Boyz as they aim to replace outgoing talent with proven PSL quality. While losing a promising young striker like Mbuthuma to Pirates would be a blow for many clubs, securing a seasoned international with Mhango's goalscoring pedigree could potentially offset the loss in the short term.
The Malawian's experience across several PSL clubs should help him adapt quickly.
