NRB eyes out the silverware
HAVING opened up a three-point gap over their rivals at the summit of the GladAfrica National First Division Championship, Richards Bay FC are now preparing for Sunday’s Nedbank Cup Last 16 away clash with TS Sporting.
The two sides met at the uMhlathuze Stadium on 17 January in an astonishing 0-0 drawn game that saw NRB dominate throughout, but fail to find the net through bad luck and unbelievable skill from Sporting keeper Leathan Croats.
But Simo Dladla’s NRB boys are now full of confidence after 11 unbeaten games.
I can’t see anything but a convincing Richards Bay win and I predict we will advance without any problem.
To the delight of NRB fans who are still unable to attend home fixtures, the game will again be televised on SuperSport.
It’s going to be interesting watching The NFD Show this week as they now begin to realise that Richards Bay is a real force to be reckoned with.
Mention has already been made of how the team is able to come back from a goal down and either win or secure a draw.
That’s a sign of commitment, fitness and good game management.
We saw it on Sunday. After conceding a soft penalty the boys took over, working the ball from the back, up the sides and through the middle to totally disrupt Uthongathi, who were fortunate to only go down 2-1.
While Khanyisa Mayo won the Man of the Match award for his two second half goals – a penalty and a super lobbed header into the top corner – there were no weaknesses on the park, and they looked well-drilled and methodical.
It’s going to be another busy month ahead, with many points in prospect – especially with our excellent record on the road.
On 6 March they travel to rock bottom Bizana Pondo Chiefs, followed by a tougher away clash with fourth-placed Royal AM.
Then it’s two home games, hosting Pretoria Callies (5th) on 17 March and second-from-bottom Cape Town Spurs
on 21 March.