Abdi Banda reveals challenges faced during Richards Bay FC stint

Tanzania International defender Abdi Banda has detailed how he found life difficult during his short stint at Richards Bay FC.

Banda spent the 2023/24 season at the KZN side but only featured eight times.

He parted ways with the club towards the end of the season and has since returned to Baroka FC. The 29-year-old feels his life at the club started being tough with the departure of the then-coach Kaitano Tembo.

In an interview with FARPost,Banda explained that his role at Richards Bay FC depended on the team’s strategy under former head coach Kaitano Tembo.

“So I played some games, and he got fired, and sometimes in football, it’s tough for players when a club changes a coach,” he added.

HOW LIFE STARTED TO BE DIFFICULT FOR THE TANZANIA INTERNATIONAL AT RICHARDS BAY

“After they changed the coach, it was tough for me to get game time. I ended up making a decision because I wanted to play as a player. Then, I decided to go back to Baroka FC.

Abdi Banda

“There were some offers, but it didn’t come right. So Baroka called me and wanted to have me back. He [Khurishi Mphahlele] gave me their plan, so I ended up coming back after seeing the plan.”

Furthermore, Banda expressed his disappointment after leaving Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership.

“I was disappointed because, as a player, you always want to achieve. If your things don’t go well, so yah it was a bit of a disappointment because I didn’t stay long.

Banda is yet to play an official match for Baroka since his return to the club due to paperwork. He is likely to feature when the club returns after the FIFA International break.

Baroka have been beefing up the squad with some experienced players including Given Mashikinya who joined on a short-term deal. Gerald Phiri Jr is another player who has been training with the team.

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