Richards Bay boss rejects R72 million offer for club status

Richards Bay FC chairman Sfiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela has revealed he turned down a massive R72 million offer to sell the club’s top-flight status, choosing instead to maintain ownership and honour the team’s deep connection with its community.

Biyela made these remarks on Tuesday as the club unveiled eleven new signings in preparation for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Among the exciting new faces were seasoned striker Gabadinho Mhango and Lindokuhle Mtshali. They were joined by Thabani Zuke, Botswana international Benson Mangolo, and Halalisani Vilakazi.

The list also has Ntokozo Nzama and Sboniso Madonsela, while Philani Khumalo, Lundi Mahala, Mbulelo Nombengula, and Olwethu Mbambo rounded out the impressive list of fresh recruits, all poised to make their mark for Richards Bay FC.

✍️ Richards Bay FC new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season:

1.Gabadinho Mhango
2.Lindokuhle Mtshali
3.Thabani Zuke
4.Benson Mangolo
5.Halalisani Vilakazi
6.Ntokozo Nzama
7. Sboniso Madonsela
8.Philani Khumalo
9.Lundi Mahala
10.Mbulelo Nombengula
11.Olwethu Mbambo pic.twitter.com/GqlX7cPLX4

— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) July 8, 2025

The Natal Rich Boyz have been a fixture in the PSL’s top-flight for the past three seasons, securing their promotion after winning the 2021/22 second-tier league. Their debut campaign showed promise with a strong start, though they ultimately finished 13th after a challenging second half.

The following season proved even tougher, with the club ending in 15th place and narrowly avoiding relegation by winning the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs. However, last season marked a significant turnaround for Richards Bay FC, as they secured an impressive eighth-place finish, earning them a coveted spot in the MTN8 for the first time since joining the Betway Premiership.

Biyela confirmed he was approached with an offer exceeding R70 million for the club’s top-flight status. He staunchly rejected it, stating his priority was “legacy” over financial gain.

“I’ve got someone I won’t mention by name here, they sent me a message this morning [Tuesday], saying there’s a desperate club looking to buy in the top-flight,” Biyela explained.

“They stated that they put up R60 million. They told me if I sign, the money can kick in just the next day. And they also put R12 million or R15 million, it’ll be up to me if I take the status in the NFD. Think about it, it’s R72 million.”

Despite the significant sum, Biyela’s resolve was clear. “I asked them if they knew what a legacy meant. I said to them, ‘Legacy is priceless, there’s no value you can place here, try elsewhere’.”

He emphasised the club’s responsibility to its loyal fan base. “How can we play outside Richards Bay for five years [playing home matches in Durban] and just when people are excited that we’re coming back to town, and then we, out of the blue, sell the club. We all need money, but we cannot make money at the expense of people who have prayed and supported us.”

Biyela even pondered the personal implications of selling. “Where would I live? I’d have to run away from the people of Richards Bay and stay in Johannesburg.”

Ultimately, Biyela sees the club as a community asset. “What we’re trying to say is we really value this club, it’s not ours, it’s for the community of King Cetshwayo, it’s for uMhlathuze. We are proud to represent this community.”

According to FARPost, the club which presented the offer to Richards Bay FC was Cape Town City FC, who were recently relegated from the Premiership to the second-tier league.