Rich Boyz show steel
Dave Savides
COMMENTATORS and critics alike agree that the 3-2 loss by Richards Bay FC to Royal AM on Sunday did not reflect the utter dominance of the NRB boys, barring the first 10 minutes of the game.
During that time, they conceded two goals after RAM came flying out of the traps and caught them cold, but the Rich Boyz steadily took over.
There was a third conceded on the break against the run of play to make it 0-3 and looking like a lost cause, but coach Kaitano Tembo’s troops went on the offensive in dramatic style.
By half time they had clawed back to 2-3 thanks to goals by Sanele Barns and a deflected Thulani Gumede shot.
The second stanza produced no goals for either side but the possession stats and the 12-0 corner count showed the utter NRB dominance.
How they failed to win beggars belief, but perhaps also underlines the story of the season with a number of gilt-edged chances missed.
But full marks for the fighting spirit and tenacity of a team that simply refused to lie down.
It is this kind of mentality that will see them dig themselves out of the relegation grave as the second half of the DStv Premiership unfolds.
Richards Bay are as good as any other team in the league and, but for the aforesaid lack of accurate striking, should be in the top half of the table.
It has been refreshing to see the blooding of young players whose energy has already made a difference, and with a bit more experience under their belts they will take the team to greater heights.
It was a bold move to start both Lwandile Mabuya and Nkosikhona Ndaba as wing backs, but the pair had shining performances, while Gumede and Yanela Mbuthuma upfront showed the legwork that will give the likes of Barns, Justice Figuareido and Somila Ntsundwana loads of scoring opportunities.
With a rest weekend ahead, the squad should be more than ready for the 23 December clash against a woeful Kaizer Chiefs outfit who are having a dismal season by their past lofty standards.