NRB plunder point from Pirates
No treasure chest for Buccaneers as Rich Boyz drop anchor
TWO fantastic superman-style saves by keeper Jackson Mabokgwane in added time earned Richards Bay FC a valuable point in a 0-0 draw with Orlando Pirates at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The first was a diving save high to his top left corner from a wrongly-awarded free kick just outside the box while the second was an instinctive hand to the goal-bound, close range shot that he tipped onto the bar.
Had either shot been scored, it would have been heartbreak for the Rich Boyz, who defended with their lives for 100 minutes – none more so than striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who bravely blocked three attempts while doing defensive duties on the wrong end of the pitch.
Richards Bay started off at tremendous pace, putting the Pirates’ defence under pressure and manufacturing three shots at goal in as many minutes, using the pace of Sanele Barns and Mbuthuma up front.
But the Buccaneers steadily got into the game, having much more possession and winning a spate of corners and free kicks.
However, they were pretty predicable and kept on swinging in high crosses which the tall NRB defenders dealt with calmly.
Best shot of the half came in the 31st minute from Richards Bay when a speculative long shot with plenty of power from Thulani Gumede almost creeped inside the right bottom corner.
He would have another great opportunity later in the game but shot wide from a good position.
For all their dominance, Jackson Mabokgwane in the NRB goals was not forced into any save other than dealing with aerial crosses, apart from the frantic last few minutes.
The NRB defenders were simply awesome, putting their bodies on the line for the cause, with skipper Simphiwe Mcineka and Hassan Banda especially dominant in frustrating the Buccaneers, who simply could not breach the thick blue line.
The squad did rack up five yellow cards between them in their refusal to be bullied or intimidated on the pitch.
A terrific DStv Premiership point for coach Kaitano
Tembo’s men, who are showing wonderful character and commitment that is getting results despite the continued absence of a number of key players.
They have also shown great cup form and they have another opportunity this Saturday when they meet Stellenbosch United in the Carling Cup semi-final.