Smiso Msomi
Vusumuzi “Kanu” Vilakazi has become the second casualty of the 2024/2025 season after being sacked by Richards Bay just a week into the start of the campaign.
The axing of the 42-year-old mentor follows that of Dylan Kerr, who was sacked by Marumo Gallants before he had taken charge of an official game.
Vilakazi’s dismissal comes as a huge surprise considering he had been handed a new one-year contract recently after helping the side survive relegation via the play-offs.
Mike Makaab, Vilakazi’s agent, confirmed that his client had parted ways with the Natal Rich Boyz while speaking on GagasiFM.
In Vilakazi’s tenure as head coach of the club, he took charge of 22 matches, recording 12 wins, eight losses and four draws.
However, the club’s latest decision may not come as a complete surprise with the arrival of a new R100 million sponsorship from PhakweGas Group signalling possible adjustments to the technical team.
During the recent sponsorship announcement, the CEO of the energy tycoons, Thabiso Tenyane, suggested that the club could bring in a new coach.
“The other surprise that is coming, it will be the coach. No, we’re not speculating, but it will be the coach. The next time you come back here, it will be the coach. Before the season starts, it will be the coach,” he said.
Independent Newspapers moved to seek clarity around the club’s plans for the technical team with the chairman of the club, Jomo Biyela confidently stating that Vilakazi would remain in charge.
“The reality is Kanu came in during a tough period for the club and helped us survive via the play-offs. He’s signed a contract for a year, with an option to extend,” Biyela said.
“The sponsorship will help beef up the technical team with positions like a performance analyst, etc, ahead of the new season, and that entire team will be led by Vilakazi as the head coach.”
That statement was thrown into doubt just a few days after that when former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, who is now based in Morocco, openly stated he had been contacted by the Natal Rich Boyz over the position of head coach.
He declined the offer on account of not wanting to face his former side so soon after his departure and chose a move to Wydad Athletic instead.
Richards Bay have now seemingly moved to place another leader at the helm of the technical team, a high-profile name according to sources.
While there hasn’t been confirmation of the next head coach, the names of Benni McCarthy, who recently left Manchester United, and Lehlohonolo Seema have reportedly appeared on their shortlist.
The biggest personality said to also be on that list is Pitso Mosimane, who remains without a club after his return from Abha FC in the Gulf region.