Richards Bay have announced lengthy contract extensions for six of their players as a strong finish to the Betway Premiership season saw the club grab an unlikely top eight spot.
Ntlonelo Bomelo, Thulani Gumede, Yanela Mbuthuma, Thabisa Ndelu, Wandile Ngema and Lindokuhle Zikhali sign improved contracts with the club that tie them to the club for the next five years and run through until the end of the 2029-30 season.
The 19-year-old Bomelo made his debut in November and finished the season with two goals in six starts and ten substitute appearances.
Midfielder Gumede, who will be 24 next month, scored in last Saturday’s 2-0 away win over SuperSport United in Pretoria, which saw the club move up to eighth in the table, while Mbuthuma got the other goal.
The 23-year-old Mbuthuma was the club’s top scorer this season with six goals.
Ndelu completed his first season at the club after his debut last September, while fellow 20-year-old Ngema started his first match earlier this month.
Zikhali, who is also 20 and debuted in December, finished the season with two goals.
Baring runaway wins for both Magesi against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday and Lamontville Golden Arrows against SuperSport on Thursday, when the final two matches of the league season are completed, Richards Bay will compete in the MTN8 for the first time next term.