Struggling Richards Bay handed coach Kaitano Tembo a Christmas Day sacking as the club reached the halfway mark of the season firmly stuck in the DStv Premiership relegation zone.

Tembo was fired only two days after Richards Bays lost 1-0 away at Kaizer Chiefs and despite a performance where they more than matched their hosts but gave away a simple goal.

“Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the release of the Head Coach Kaitano Tembo with immediate effect. The Club would like to thank the coach for his contribution during this season. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” it added.

The statement was released on Christmas Day, making for an unhappy holiday for the 53-year-old for Zimbabwe international defender.

Richards Bay have won only two of 15 league games this season and have 10 points, seven behind Sekhuhkhune United, who are next in the standings in 14th place