Thanda coach quits as Amabhubesi go broke
Thanda Royal Zulu coach, Thami Ngubani is moving on.
CASH-strapped Thanda Royal Zulu FC on Friday lost the services of its head coach with immediate effect.
Despite their very real prospect of promotion to the lucrative Premier Soccer League (PSL), Thanda are now without a title sponsor and literally unable to last financially beyond the next two weeks.
Not only has coach Thami Ngubani left for more secure employment with his former club African Warriors, but unless a late backer is found, the Amabhubesi will be forced to relocate from Richards Bay at the end of the month.
‘The situation is almost beyond saving. We are broke,’ Thanda CEO Pierre Delvaux said on Friday.
‘We have had incredible support from Bell Equipment over the past few seasons, but we always knew their generosity was not endless and they have gone beyond their commitment and cannot continue to carry the club alone.
‘We were hoping another major corporate, or a combination of corporates, would rally to our aid, but this has not happened.
‘One cannot blame Thami for moving on to a more secure personal environment.
‘He has helped Thanda to reach the strong position we are in now, and with the results we have had over the past three seasons we have buyers knocking on our door to purchase the club, which would be forced to relocate.’
The irony is that Thanda are again heading for a PSL promotion play-off, which would generate millions for the City and District.
‘When we played Orlando Pirates earlier this year there was not a bed or flight available in the City.
‘That’s why municipalities elsewhere in KZN have pumped big money into football as an investment for the future.
‘The uThungulu District and City of uMhlathuze are our last hope. But we have just days before the door of opportunity finally slams shut.’
