Richards Bay boss pays tribute to Joel Faya

Richards Bay FC chairman Sfiso "Jomo" Biyela says the late winger was a product of school sport, and has contributed a lot to South African football. Biyela shared with SABC Sport during the renaming of the Dondotha sports complex to Bafana Bafana legend Siyabonga Sangweni.

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''It is unfortunate that our brother Joel left us at a time where we are celebrating our  football heroes in KZN, he is the reason why we emphasise the importance of school sports because that is where he comes from,'' said Biyela.

KwaZulu-Natal teams in the DSTV Premiership have had a very tough season, with Lamontville Golden Arrows and AmaZulu FC fighting for the top eight, with Royal AM and Richards Bay fighting for survival. Many have suggested that a lack of belief in KZN talent has contributed to their decline. Biyela defends his club, suggesting that lack of sponsorship and support is the main reason.

  ''Teams in KZN are self funded, most teams here don't have sponsors, if they can be funded things will be better,'' added Biyela.

The Natal Rich Boys is one of the few clubs, which has shown belief in the young players. Giving opportunities to the likes of Langelihle Mhlongo, Yanela Mbuthuma, Philasande Manqele, and Nkosinathi Ndaba to mention a few. The chairman says the club is impressed with them and has rewarded the club for believing in them.

 Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Sangweni has been honored with a sports complex named after him, in Dondotha. Same week of honoring another legend Siyabonga Nomvethe with a school development project named after him.

Biyela, who has been part of development for years, has congratulated both legends for receiving huge respect in the province.