Ugandan striker Joel Madondo is finally set to be registered as a Richards Bay FC player after receiving clearance to obtain his South African work permit ahead of the 2026/27 season, Footy-Africa understands.
Madondo joined the Natal Rich Boys in January after impressing during a successful trial and signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until January 2028. However, he has had to wait several months before becoming eligible for selection due to work permit procedures.
With the documentation process now nearing completion, the former Uganda Premier League forward is expected to receive his work permit before the start of the new campaign, paving the way for his long-awaited competitive debut in South African football.
At Richards Bay, Madondo will reunite with fellow Ugandan and Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola, who has been with the club since 2022 and is preparing for his fourth season with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
Madondo’s arrival also increases Uganda’s representation in South Africa’s top flight to three players this season. He joins Magoola at Richards Bay, while veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango continues to feature for Mamelodi Sundowns.
His move further underlines Uganda’s growing presence in South African football, following the path forged by compatriots such as David Obua, Geoffrey Massa, Brian Umony, Moses Waiswa, Timothy Batabaire and Geoffrey Sserunkuma, who all enjoyed spells in the country’s top divisions.
Richards Bay will hope Madondo’s pace, movement and attacking instincts add another dimension to their frontline as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the Ugandan now edging closer to making his official debut after months of waiting.
