Richards Bay to land marquee signing?

Richards Bay FC have set their sights on a marquee signing the technical team, led by coach Pitso Dladla, believe will complete their jigsaw puzzle ahead of their debut season in the Premier Soccer League topflight.

Following their KZN Premier Cup participation last weekend, the name that came up as a priority target for the Natal Rich Boys was that of veteran Luvuyo Memela - a free agent after leaving AmaZulu at the end of last season.

It™s not clear yet how far talks to get Memela on board have gone, but SABC Sport understands a decision will be taken soon, possibly before Richards Bay travel to Golden Arrows for their DStv Premiership opener at the Princess Magogo Stadium this Saturday at 3pm.

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Memela, 34, was surprisingly offloaded by Usuthu when players were allowed to leave en masse by president Sandile Zungu in an effort to rebuild the squad.

AmaZulu have since signed 10 players, but Memela was arguably their best player with nine goals from 36 games from all competitions, which included their first ever CAF Champions League group stages participation.

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There were even reports suggesting Zungu could make a U-turn and bring back Memela to coach Brandon Truter™s side, but that now looks unlikely.

SABC Sport understands that Richards Bay are very keen and see the former Orlando Pirates star as someone who can guide Dladla™s new-look side.

While the season kicks off on Friday night with the champions Mamelodi Sundowns playing away to Cape Town City and more to follow over the weekend, there is no rush for Memela to put pen to paper at any club.

He is a free agent and join a club of his choice at any given moment during the season without the registration deadline being an issue.

It remains to be seen whether Richards Bay will get the deal over the line.

By: Mazola Molefe