Richards Bay FC have parted ways with defender Samkelo Shezi and winger Mbulelo Nombengula midway through the first round of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The KwaZulu-Natal club has decided to make changes to its squad after a difficult start to the campaign, with the team still searching for its first league victory after eight matches.

The Natal Rich Boyz made several signings ahead of the new season as they looked to strengthen their squad and improve on their performances from the previous campaign. However, their results have not gone according to plan, leaving them under pressure to turn their form around.

Richards Bay have suffered five defeats and recorded three draws in their opening eight league matches. The team has struggled to collect points consistently and will need to improve its performances as the Betway Premiership campaign continues.

Amid these difficulties, the club has now cut ties with Shezi and Nombengula, who both struggled to establish themselves in the first team.

Shezi joined Richards Bay at the beginning of the current season after leaving Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC. The defender arrived at the club hoping to compete for a regular place in the team, but he found opportunities limited during his time with the Natal Rich Boyz.

He made only two appearances for Richards Bay and was an unused substitute in five matches. The defender was subsequently left out of the matchday squad for the club's most recent fixture before the decision to part ways with him.

Nombengula, meanwhile, joined Richards Bay in July 2025 after leaving Sinenkani. The winger was brought in as the club looked to add more options to its attacking department.

However, his time at the club included a loan spell at Midlands Wanderers, where he was sent in January 2026. He later returned to Richards Bay but failed to make an appearance for the club in the top flight during the 2026/27 season.

The departures mean Richards Bay will have to continue working with their remaining squad members as they attempt to improve their league position. The club will also need to find greater consistency in its performances if it hopes to move away from its difficult start.

With the season still in its early stages, Richards Bay will be looking to respond positively in their upcoming fixtures and begin collecting the points needed to improve their situation in the Betway Premiership.

Source: IDiskiTimes