Zululand Observer - Weekender

NRB eye six more points in a week

- Dave Savides

WHILE they have achieved their mini-targets thus far this season and are sitting pretty second from top on the DStv table, there will be no complacenc­y in the NRB camp.

Back at training on Tuesday after holding Orlando Pirates to a goalless draw despite being a man light for the second half, there was no thought of taking it easy ahead of Saturday’s encounter against rock bottom club Maritzburg United.

“We are picking up points and we have good momentum,” said co-head coach Vasili Manousakis.

“Our first target was 10 points after five games and we got seven; our next block target was eight points from five but we got 10, so over the two we are on track.

“An away point to Pirates is always great but to do so with 10 men is extra special.”

However, while also full of praise for the NRB defensive effort, Manousakis bemoaned the lack of scoring opportunit­ies.

“We need to sharpen up in front of goals and be more clinical.

“Our strength lies in catching teams on the counter but we had to forfeit that to fortify the defence after the sending off.

“The three points and a few goals against Maritzburg on Sunday are certainly achievable but cannot be taken for granted.

“M’burg is a tough team

that hustles and grinds, as do CT City who we play on Wednesday, and Chippa United the following Sunday.”

His sentiments were echoed by coach Pitso Dladla, who did have some serious words for Siyanda Msani, who could have cost Richards Bay the game on Saturday after his red card tackle on Olisa Ndah.

The rash challenge could also have cost the Nigerian his place in the forthcomin­g Qatar world cup tournament.

“Besides not having your services for three games it means making adjustment­s and changing the combinatio­n that has brought us success,” he told Msani.

“But our strengths are our unity, commitment and powers of concentrat­ion; we are a true team in every sense of the word and we fight for each other,” said Dladla.

“Everyone has a vital role to play, even those who sit on the bench; it’s the collective effort and harmony that makes us a feared team.”

But while commentato­rs and pundits are raving about the Rich Boyz’ accomplish­ments to date, Dladla said he would prefer remaining the underdog, as this gave extra motivation.

“We will change nothing. We know our strengths and will stick to what has been working for us.”

 ?? Photo: Dave Savides ?? NRB coach Pitso Dladla homed in on personal and collective responsibi­lity at Tuesday’s training session
Photo: Dave Savides NRB coach Pitso Dladla homed in on personal and collective responsibi­lity at Tuesday’s training session

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