Richards Bay FC new partner, Thabang Tenyane of Phakwe Gas, has outlined his plans to elevate the club through his business connections with a La Liga powerhouse.
DStv Premiership side, Richards Bay, recently signed a partnership with Phakwe Gas, securing a R100 million investment for the club.
Tenyane, the CEO of Phakwe Gas, revealed at the sponsorship launch that he has maintained a 15-year business partnership with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in the energy sector.
Tenyane emphasized his role as an “active sponsor,” indicating his involvement in the club's decision-making processes.
He explained his intention to seek advice from the experienced Pérez, a recognized authority in the world of football.
NEW RICHARDS BAY PARTNER AIMING TO UPLIFT CLUB THROUGH BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH LA LIGA GIANTS BOSS
“I’m in the energy sector, people know Florentino Pérez as the owner of Real Madrid,” said Tenyane.
“So, there’s a lot that I’m going to be flying down to him to learn as to how this thing is being done.
“The value of soccer in South Africa cannot be lower compared to EPL or La Liga.
“This is the same thing it’s the same sport. There’s something we’re not doing right that needs to be done right.”
After revealing the partnership, Tenyane also hinted a possible restructuring of the technical team that is currently led by Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
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“The other surprise that is coming, it will be the coach,” he added.
“No, we’re not speculating, but it will be the coach. The next time you come back here, it will be the coach. Before the season starts, it will be the coach.”
Asked further if there would be changes in the technical team, he responded, “Of course.”
When he was pressed about Vilakazi’s future, he gave a vague response: “We will see, but we are not an inactive sponsor; we are an active sponsor because our brand needs to be associated with winners.
“So, therefore I need to make sure that I assist them to be winners.”
