Richards Bay hand big blow to Yanela Mbuthuma PSL suitors

SABC Sport can confirm The Natal Rich Boys and the player have agreed to a new five-year contract, keeping him at the club for the long-term, which forces potential suitors to pay big money to acquire his services.

It’s believed the discussions took place some time ago, but was kept under wraps until now as the season heads for a close. 

Mbuthuma has recently been the subject of interest from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and crosstown rivals AmaZulu, who are understood to have in fact made an offer for the player in January, but the deal did not materialise. 

The forward, who has scored five goals in 26 matches so far this season, joined Richards Bay from the amateur ranks and is a product of the club's own structures.

At just 23, Mbuthuma has also caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, after making the preliminary squad for the recent FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

The Natal Rich Boys have now all but secured safety to remain in the elite league next season, after pulling away from the relegation dogfight two weekends ago when they beat TS Galaxy at Lucas Moripe Stadium. 

Mbuthuma is seen as a key figure to build the squad around, and chairman Jomo Biyela confirmed to the public broadcaster the striker had penned a new contract. 

“Yes, it is true that he has signed a long-term deal with us. We have not heard about the rumours, but the fact is that he is not for sale,” the Richards Bay boss told SABC Sport.

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