The Betway Premiership side Richards Bay FC has opted for a former Sekhukhune United coach over reported target, Benni McCarthy.
FARPost reported on Monday that Vilakazi and Richards Bay FC had mutually agreed to part ways. The split came after a disagreement arose when the club presented the coach with a revised contract, despite having recently signed an initial agreement.
Vilakazi says he refused to put pen to paper on an amended contract that was proposed to him by the club four days ago.
“There’s a lot but I’m not gonna get into details just to respect the club and the chairman as well,” said Vilakazi on Metro FM.
“We had a contract that we signed with the chairman, he signed and I signed four weeks ago.
RICHARDS BAY ANNOUNCE VILAKAZI’S SUCCESSOR & IT’S NOT BENNI
Now, Richards Bay have moved swiftly to appoint new head coach Brandon Truter who was a technical director at Upington City who compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The Cape Town-born coach penned a one-year deal with the KZN side.
Truter arrived in Richards Bay on Wednesday afternoon to to complete the deal and will begin preparations for the 2024/25 campaign this week.
Meanwhile, Afrik-Foot understands the club had talks with former Manchester United striker’s coach Benni McCarthy, who was wanted by the sponsor Phakwe Gas while the club’s management insisted on Truter.
Phakwe Gas recently injected R100 million and the company’s CEO Thabiso Tenyane expressed their aim to be a “vocal sponsor” at the club.
It is understood they also approached Lehlohonolo Seema who’s still unattached after departing Sekhukhune United towards the end of the last season.
CLUB’S STATEMENT ON NEW COACH’S APPOINTMENT
“Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the appointment of Brandon Truter as the Clubs new Head Coach for the season 2024/2025 with an option to renew,” said the club’s statement.
“Coach Brandon Truter is a familiar face in the South African Football, he's a former Coach of Sekhukhune United. He is also a familiar face in Richards Bay FC having coached the club during the 2018/2019 season. He brings a lot of experience to the Club.
“We welcome him on his new role and wish him all the best.”
