KwaZulu-Natal outfit Richards Bay have announced Brandon Truter as the club's new head coach following a shock exit by Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
In a brief statement released on Wednesday, the Natal Rich Boys announced that that former Sekhukhune United and Swallows coach Truter, has taken over the club's new mentor.
"Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the appointment of Brandon Truter as the Clubs new Head Coach for the season 2024/2025 with an option to renew," the statement reads.
"Coach Brandon Truter is a familiar face in the South African football, he's a former coach of Sekhukhune United.
"He is also a familiar face in Richards Bay FC having coached the club during the 2018/2019 season. He brings a lot of experience to the Club.
"We welcome him on his new role and wish him all the best," as per the club's statement posted on their official social channels.
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The move comes after an abrupt exit by former head coach Vilakazi, who had recently signed a long-term contract with Bay. Vilakazi had initially been brought in towards the end of the 23/24 season and helped the Natal Rich Boys survive relegation by winning the promotion/ relegation play-offs.
He was widely expected to be stay on in the role, however, with the club having attained a new R100 million sponsorship, it became increasingly clear that the hierarchy were in search of what the CEO of Phakwe Group (Richards Bay's new sponsor), Thabiso Tenyane, described as a 'top coach'.
KickOff understands that Bay had made an offer for Lehlohonolo Seema to lead the side, while former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena also claimed to have received an offer from the ambitious outfit, although this claim has been denied by club boss Jomo Biyela.
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Speaking on MetroFM on Tuesday night, Vilakazi accused of Bay of blindsiding him by presenting him with an amended contract, after already having an agreement in place.
Truter will now lead Richards Bay for the 2024/25 season for what will be his first coaching spell since leaving Sekhukhune United in November 2023.