Zothwane: Chiefs Can’t Bounce Back At Our Expense

Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane says Kaizer Chiefs cannot recover from their recent slump at Richards Bay’s expense, as both sides head into Tuesday’s clash under pressure.

Amakhosi’s latest setback was a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday — a match Pirates dominated from start to finish.

Chiefs will look to respond when they face the Natal Rich Boyz at a sold-out Umhlathuze Sports Complex.

Chiefs Looking to End Three-Game Losing Streak

In addition to the Derby loss, Chiefs were beaten by Stellenbosch FC in the league last week and also suffered defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup against Al Masry SC.

“We are playing against a big team that has just lost three games in a row,” said Zothwane, who was close to joining Chiefs in 2006.

“Obviously, they will want to bounce back, but they can’t bounce back at our expense. The last time we won at home was against AmaZulu FC in November, so we want to win.

“We want to make our supporters happy.”

Recent Meetings Between Chiefs and Richards Bay

Chiefs edged Richards Bay 1-0 in the reverse fixture at FNB Stadium in August — a match in which Thulani Gumede suffered an ankle injury following a heavy challenge from Aden McCarthy.

However, Bay claimed a memorable victory over Chiefs in Durban in March last year, winning through goals from Fezile Gcaba and Yanela Mbuthuma at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.

Both teams head into Tuesday’s encounter winless in their last three matches.

Richards Bay Targeting 23 Points

“After a good performance against AmaZulu and Orbit College, we are very confident that we can get points from Kaizer Chiefs,” Zothwane said.

“Obviously, we have analysed their weaknesses and strengths. I think we have done that in our sessions while preparing for the game.

“We are expecting a very difficult match, especially not knowing who they are going to play after their last performance against Pirates.

“But we are ready. The players are ready because they know what is expected. We are on 20 points and we want to move to 23.

“So, we are ready for the match.”