Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Thando Buthelezi has opened up on his loan move to Richards Bay FC, where he will spend the rest of the 2024/25 season.
The Brazilians DDC graduate was moved down to KwaZulu-Natal with the expectation that he would gain playing time as he aims to make the Betway Premiership breakthrough this season.
The 21-year-old made his Sundowns debut in the 2022/23 campaign under Rulani Mokwena, playing 12 minutes in the team’s Nedbank Cup 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Free State Stadium.
This remains his sole appearance in the Brazilians colours since his promotion to the first team.
Buthelezi says he’s fortunate to have found someone who trusts him, coach Brandon Truter. He stated that he’s looking to adjust to the team’s style of play in order to establish himself as a regular for the Natal Rich Boyz.
THANDO BUTHELEZI GRATEFUL FOR TRUST FROM COACH BRANDON TRUTER
“The coach trusts me, but obviously, I have to adjust to the style of play at Richards Bay because this is where I am right now,” said Buthelezi.
“This is where I am, and I must play the way they want me to play. If the chance to play comes up [I have to show up].”
He also expressed his desire for more playing minutes, hoping to make a strong impression and ultimately return to Sundowns a better player.
BUTHELEZI HOPING FOR MORE GAME TIME
“He’s [Truter] pushing me a lot because as much as I left home [parent club], there’s someone who trusts me and who admires the way I play,” he added.
“So, I just hope that I get more minutes so that I can go back home.”
Buthelezi has made two appearances in the Betway Premiership and one in the Carling Knockout Cup for Richards Bay. He has started two of these matches and came on as a substitute in the other.
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