Big brother to the rescue of Diski boys
THE Richards Bay FC Multichoice Diski Championship side has managed to put nine goals in the back of the net in their maiden professional season.
But they have conceded 13 goals in seven games, putting them near the bottom of the MDC log.
This is in total contradiction to the NRB DStv Premiership side, who have only leaked three goals all season, two of which were from the penalty spot.
They do in fact have the best defensive record in the PSL.
Step in Big Brother, in the name of Ronnie Gabriel, the defensive coach of the senior side and patently one of the best in the league.
He was an integral part of the technical team that saw the Rich Boyz annex the GladAfrica Championship and with it, PSL promotion, adding to his prior record at the likes of Uthongathi.
A decision has been made to appoint Gabriel as the club’s Youth Development official and he, along with all the club’s other senior coaches attended the Diski training session at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday. Head coaches Pitso Dladla and Vasili Manousakis both assured the youngsters of their undoubted talents, having been selected above hundreds of other talented locals after intense trials.
They analysed strengths and weakness based on games thus far and believe the squad can improve greatly, especially with regards to their defending.
Gabriel already has clear ideas on the way forward.
“The Diski boys are now going to follow the exact programme of the senior side; they will train the same and employ the same strategies and formations.
“There’s not much wrong with their individual ball skills; what they need is improved communication and discipline, and clearer tactics.
“I’m confident that the second half of the season will show vast improvement,” Gabriel told the ZO.
“This will also lead them to fighting for places in the senior side, which is what we want.”
• Both Richards Bay FC sides will be in action on Sunday.
The DStv Premiership side will fly to Johannesburg for a tough 3.30pm kick-off against Chippa United, with a live streaming option.
The Multichoice Diski Championship U23 boys will be taking on Marumo Gallants in a 10am game that will be televised on SuperSport.