Richards Bay eye reunion with Chief's Austin Dube

Dube joined Chiefs in 2021 on a three-year deal, after an impressive 2020/21 season with Richards Bay in the Motsepe Foundation League – then known as the GladAfrica Championship.

Despite joining Amakhosi with a lot of expectations, the 30-year-old managed just a single appearance in the recently concluded 2022/23 season. According to insiders, the Natal Rich Boys have presented a request to Chiefs to try and lure the central defender back on a permanent deal and are now waiting on the response from the Soweto giants.

It is said Chiefs were looking to send him out on loan in the upcoming 2023/24 season, but would consider selling should an offer meet their valuation of the player.

Richards Bay general manager James Dlamini did not want to comment on developments at the club and requested instead to be contacted next week.

"About players, I can not make any comments. Please talk to me next week Mgabadeli," Dlamini responded when quizzed about a potential deal for Dube.

It has been reported in local media that the club is also on the lookout for a new coach to replace Vasili Manousakis and Simo 'Pitso' Dladla, who started last season as co-coaches before the former was handed the head coach reins in April.

Richards Bay narrowly avoided relegation last month, ending in 13th position – just three points above Maritzburg United, who dropped to the second tier in the recently concluded promotion play-offs.