Mamelodi Sundowns forward Thabang Sibanyoni has completed a season-long loan move to Richards Bay FC. The 28-year-old attacker spent the 2023/24 season at AmaTuks, marking his fifth loan spell since his promotion to the Sundowns first team in the 2019/20 season. Sibanyoni was a key contributor for the University of Pretoria last season, netting nine goals, helping them reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs.
Richards Bay FC appears to have won the race for Sibanyoni’s signature, beating out Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC, who all desired him on loan. Sibanyoni is expected to see out the entire season on loan at the KZN club before returning to Sundowns at the end of the campaign. By then, his contract with the DStv Premiership champions will have expired, leaving his future with the club uncertain.
Sibanyoni’s loan move to Richards Bay FC is expected to strengthen the team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. He joins several signings that the club has made, including Siyethemba Sithebe, Keegan Allan, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Fezile Gcaba, and Sbani Khumalo. It remains to be seen how Sibanyoni will perform for Richards Bay FC this season, but his contributions to the University of Pretoria last season suggest that he could be a valuable asset for the team.
Key Takeaways
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- Thabang Sibanyoni has completed a season-long loan move to Richards Bay FC from Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Richards Bay FC beat out Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC for Sibanyoni’s signature.
- Sibanyoni’s loan move is expected to strengthen Richards Bay FC ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Thabang Sibanyoni’s Loan Move
Season-Long Loan to Richards Bay FC
Thabang Sibanyoni, a 28-year-old attacker, has completed a season-long loan move to DStv Premiership side Richards Bay FC. The move follows his successful 2023/24 season at AmaTuks, where he netted nine goals and helped them reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs. Despite his impressive performances, AmaTuks fell short of securing top-flight promotion, with Richards Bay retaining their spot.
Sibanyoni’s good displays earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that played COSAFA recently, where he scored the only goal of the match in a 1-0 victory over Mozambique Eswatini. However, his future with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he started his professional career, is uncertain. His contract with the DStv Premiership champions was set to expire at the end of June, but the club exercised their one-year option on him.
Although Sibanyoni was coveted by several clubs, including Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC, Richards Bay FC appears to have won the race for his signature. He is expected to see out the entire season on loan at the KZN club before returning to Sundowns at the end of the campaign.
Previous Loan Spells and Performance
Sibanyoni has had a total of five loan spells since his promotion to the Sundowns first team in the 2019/20 season. His first loan spell was with JDR Stars, and apart from two spells at AmaTuks, he has also had stints with Sekhukhune United and SuperSport United. However, he only has one season of top-flight experience under his belt, playing for SuperSport in the 2022/23 season. All his other loan spells were in the second tier.
Despite his lack of top-flight experience, Sibanyoni has been a key contributor to the teams he has played for during his loan spells. His impressive performances have earned him a reputation as a prolific goalscorer and a valuable asset to any team.
Career Highlights
Top-Flight Experience
Thabang Sibanyoni has only played one season in the top-flight, which was with SuperSport United in the 2022/23 season. He made 8 appearances for the club, but failed to score a goal.
Impact at University of Pretoria
Sibanyoni had a successful loan spell at the University of Pretoria during the 2023/24 season. He was a key contributor for the team, netting nine goals, helping them reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs. Although they ultimately fell short of securing top-flight promotion, Sibanyoni’s good displays earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that played COSAFA recently. He scored the only goal of the match when Helman Mkhalele’s side beat Mozambique Eswatini 1-0.
National Team Call-Up and Achievement
Sibanyoni’s good performances at the University of Pretoria earned him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad. He made his international debut in a COSAFA Cup match against Mozambique Eswatini, where he scored the only goal of the match. This was a significant achievement for Sibanyoni, who had only played in the second tier of South African football before his call-up.
Overall, Sibanyoni’s career highlights include his successful loan spell at the University of Pretoria, his call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad, and his recent loan move to DStv Premiership side Richards Bay FC. Although he has only played one season in the top-flight, he has shown that he is capable of competing at the highest level and has the potential to become a key player for any team he plays for.
Contractual Details with Mamelodi Sundowns
Contract Extension
Thabang Sibanyoni, the Mamelodi Sundowns forward, had his contract extended until June 2025 after the club triggered a one-year option. His contract was originally set to expire at the end of June. The extension was announced after the striker had a successful season-long loan spell at University of Pretoria in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Sibanyoni scored nine goals, helping the team reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs.
Future Beyond Loan Period
Sibanyoni’s future with Mamelodi Sundowns beyond the loan period is uncertain. He has spent most of his professional career on loan spells, playing for JDR Stars, Sekhukhune United, SuperSport United, AmaTuks, and now Richards Bay FC. He only has one season of top-flight experience under his belt, playing for SuperSport in the 2022/23 season.
The 28-year-old attacker was coveted by several clubs, including Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC, who all desired him on loan. However, Richards Bay FC appears to have won the race for his signature. Sibanyoni is expected to see out the entire season on loan at the KZN club before returning to Sundowns at the end of the campaign.
Sibanyoni’s loan move to Richards Bay FC will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his talent in the top flight and potentially earn a permanent move to a top-flight club. Sundowns will also benefit from Sibanyoni’s loan move as it will allow them to evaluate his performance in the top-flight before making a decision on his future with the club.
Transfer Interest and Competition
Interest from Other Clubs
Thabang Sibanyoni’s impressive performances at University of Pretoria last season caught the attention of several clubs in the DStv Premiership. Magesi FC, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu FC were all interested in securing the striker on loan. However, it was Richards Bay FC who ultimately won the race for his signature.
Sibanyoni’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns was set to expire at the end of June, and the Brazilians exercised their one-year option on him. However, with several top-flight clubs interested in him, it remains to be seen whether he will return to Sundowns at the end of his loan spell.
Richards Bay FC’s Successful Acquisition
Richards Bay FC’s acquisition of Thabang Sibanyoni on loan is a significant boost to their attacking options. The 28-year-old attacker is a proven goalscorer in the second tier and has shown that he can perform at the top level.
Sibanyoni’s addition to the squad comes as part of several signings that the club has made to strengthen the team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Siyethemba Sithebe, Keegan Allan, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Fezile Gcaba, and Sbani Khumalo are among the other players who have joined the club.
With Sibanyoni in their ranks, Richards Bay FC will be hoping to improve on their 2023/24 campaign, where they narrowly avoided relegation. His experience and goalscoring ability will be crucial to their success this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of Thabang Sibanyoni’s loan to Richards Bay FC?
Thabang Sibanyoni has completed a season-long loan move to Richards Bay FC. He is expected to see out the entire season on loan at the KZN club before returning to Sundowns at the end of the campaign.
Which clubs has Thabang Sibanyoni been loaned to in his career?
Thabang Sibanyoni has been loaned to JDR Stars, Sekhukhune United, SuperSport United, AmaTuks, and now Richards Bay FC. He has spent the most time on loan at AmaTuks, having had two spells with the club.
How did Thabang Sibanyoni perform in the previous season?
In the previous season, Thabang Sibanyoni was a key contributor for the University of Pretoria, scoring nine goals and helping them reach the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs. He also earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that played COSAFA recently. He scored the only goal of the match when Helman Mkhalele’s side beat Mozambique Eswatini 1-0.
What achievement did Sibanyoni earn with the Bafana Bafana squad recently?
Thabang Sibanyoni earned a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that played COSAFA recently. He scored the only goal of the match when Helman Mkhalele’s side beat Mozambique Eswatini 1-0.
What is the status of Sibanyoni’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns?
Thabang Sibanyoni’s contract with Mamelodi Sundowns was set to expire at the end of June. However, the Brazilians exercised their one-year option on him. By the end of his loan spell at Richards Bay FC, his contract with the DStv Premiership champions will have expired, leaving his future with the club uncertain.
Who are the other players that Richards Bay FC has signed for the 2024/25 season?
Richards Bay FC has secured Siyethemba Sithebe, Keegan Allan, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Fezile Gcaba, Sbani Khumalo, and Thabang Sibanyoni to strengthen the team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
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