Disappointing derby defeat for NRB
ONCE viewed as almost invincible after a 15-game unbeaten streak, Richards
Bay FC were defeated for the second successive game when they went down 2-1 away to Uthongathi FC on Saturday.
Two goals in the space of five minutes – one on either side of half time – were enough to see off coach Simo Dladla’s boys, who did get one back just before the final whistle, courtesy of Paseka Sekese.
While the wheels haven’t started falling off by any means, it does seem like the nuts will need to be tightened if they wish to push for automatic promotion as the GladAfrica Championship heads towards the final half dozen fixtures.
They are certainly not
‘there for the taking’ but their confidence has unquestionably taken a knock and other opponents will be relishing tackling a side that appears to be vulnerable.
After all, the NFD is the league of surprises, and all the top sides have found themselves on the wrong side of results recently.
It’s getting tighter at the top, but I firmly believe NRB will show their steel, rise to the challenge and win the league without having to go through the play-offs.
With a few heavy games looming, they must get back on track quickly, especially in terms of not conceding goals.
It is, in fact, the ‘goals against’ column that is posing problems.
With a relatively small squad and a congested fixture list, they have of late had to cope with the absence through injury of key players Veluyeke Zulu and
Moses Mthembu, which has necessitated some reorganisation at the back.
‘We shot ourselves in the foot through silly defensive lapses and failure to convert the many opportunities we created,’ said Dladla.
‘We dominated possession for most of the game without any luck and also struck the goal posts, but we can only blame ourselves for what should have been a win.’
The next two games are against fellow title chasers Royal AM on Wednesday (21 April away) and Sikhukhune United on Sunday (25 April home).
Both will in effect be six-pointers. Win them, and the path to promotion will be smoothly paved.