Mamelodi Sundowns youngster loaned out to Richards Bay FC

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole, updated on

Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Thando Buthelezi has been sent out on loan to Richards Bay for the 2024/25 season.

Buthelezi is one of the few young players that were promoted to the Sundowns first team during Rulani Mokwena’s tenure.

He was part of the Natal Rich Boyz team that played in the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup on Saturday, losing in the final on penalties.

During the Betway Premiership launch, Truter confirmed that the 21-year-old midfielder had joined the club on a season-long loan.

WHO IS SUNDOWNS YOUNGSTER ON LOAN AT RICHARDS BAY?

“Thando, an exceptional player, good talent, but we have some very good boys that have been promoted from our own DDC as well, and they're also knocking very hard on the door for a starting berth,” Truter said at a press event.

“But it's always a catch-22 when you take a young talent on loan, how you develop him for another club or are you looking at your own interests as well.

“So we have to weight that up and see where we can fit him in, and which games he will play, but he's definitely a good talent.”

Mamelodi Sundowns youngster loaned out to Richards Bay FC
Thando Buthelezi – Photo by Mamelodi Sundowns

Meanwhile, Truter, who took reins after Vusumuzi Vilakazi left the KZN side expressed his satisfaction with what he has at his disposal.

Richards Bay brought on board some experienced players this season including Tlakusani Mthethwa, Siyethemba Sithebe, Thabang Sibanyoni, Thabiso Kutumela and Keagan Allan, among others.

IS TRUTER HAPPY WITH WHAT HE HAS AT HIS DISPOSAL?

“A lot has changed at the club, and it's also been a year since I was in the Premiership – a lot of research, internships, and football games that happened during this year,” he added.

“So I'm hoping we are better prepared, but finding a team that played in the relegation play-offs and then coming into a preseason without a proper break, and taking over from a coach who's left his imprint on the team – which is not similar to mine, it's been tough.

“But over the four weeks, I can honestly say there has been progress that I'm happy with, there have been new additions to the club, with the likes of [Thabiso] Kutumela, [Siyethemba] Sithebe, [Thabang] Sibanyoni, Keegan Allan, and [Tlakusani] Mthethwa.

“So there's expectations, they don't want the same situation as last season, and of course top eight is a target [because] we're very ambitious as well, looking a bit higher than eighth position – I think that's fair on the supporters and my personal ambitions as well.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.