Richards Bay FC has sent two players packing in a surprise move that has left many supporters talking.

The Natal Rich Boyz have officially parted ways with defender Samkelo Shezi and winger Mbulelo Nombengula. The club made the decision midway through the first round of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

This comes at a time when the team is still looking for its first win of the campaign. Richards Bay have played eight matches so far. They have lost five and drawn three. No victories. The pressure is clearly building at the KwaZulu-Natal club.

Shezi only arrived at the start of this season. He came from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Highbury FC. The defender managed just two appearances for Richards Bay. He sat on the bench five times and was left out of the squad for the most recent game. It seems the club decided he was not doing enough to keep his place.

Nombengula has a longer story with the team. He joined Richards Bay in July 2025 from Sinenkani. Later he went on loan to Midlands Wanderers in January. When he came back, he still could not force his way into the first team. He has not played a single Premiership match this season.

Club boss Jomo Biyela and the coaching staff clearly felt it was time for a change. Richards Bay made several new signings before the season began. They wanted to build a stronger squad after last season. But results have not gone their way, and now two players have paid the price.

Many fans will wonder if more changes are coming. The team is stuck near the bottom of the table and needs points urgently. Cutting players mid-season shows the club is serious about turning things around.

Both Shezi and Nombengula now face uncertain futures. They will be looking for new clubs while Richards Bay try to find the right mix of players who can deliver results.

The decision has already sparked discussion among supporters. Some feel the club acted too quickly. Others say underperforming players cannot stay when the team is struggling this badly.

Whatever happens next, one thing is clear. Richards Bay are not sitting back and hoping things improve by themselves. They are taking action. Whether this move helps them climb the table remains to be seen, but the message has been sent loud and clear.

Sources

https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113517186220535946