HISTORY OF RICHARDS BAY

Richards Bay acquired AmaZulu’s National First Division status in 2017 after Usuthu bought the franchise of Thanda Royal Zulu – who had been promoted to the PSL. Richards Bay chairman Sifiso ‘Jomo’ Biyela, who had been CEO at Thanda, brought with him the bulk of the playing staff, along with those in the office. The late Roger Sikhakhane was the first coach of Richards Bay as the club set off on its First Division journey. Sello Ntuli, Jean-Francois Losciuto, Brandon Truter, Ian Palmer, Simo Dladla and Allan Freese all had a bite of the cherry at the club before Pitso Dladla took over for this season. Through their five years in the second-tier, they finished 12th, seventh, 12th, third and then first this past campaign.

With their usual home, the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay, not compliant with PSL regulations the club will have to continue using the King Zwelithini Stadium like they have done for most of the past two years, having also played at the Princess Magogo Stadium.