Zothwane: We Want To Bounce Back In Another KZN Derby

Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane has urged his squad to keep their heads up as they prepare for a high-stakes KwaZulu-Natal Derby against Durban City this Sunday.

The Natal Rich Boyz are looking to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 defeat to AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where a last-minute goal left them empty-handed. Zothwane insists that the previous result will have no bearing on the upcoming clash at Chatsworth Stadium.

The Challenge: Formidable Durban City

Durban City has been a force to be reckoned with this season, remaining unbeaten at home. Under the guidance of Simo Dladla, they have climbed to sixth in the league and secured a spot in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. Despite a recent loss to Kaizer Chiefs, Zothwane is wary of their momentum.

“We are preparing well, a big game against Durban City on Sunday,” said Zothwane on the club’s website. 

“It is a KZN Derby, and a KZN Derby is difficult because it doesn’t mean your last game will determine your result – it is about who wants it the most. 

“But our players are looking forward because we had a game against AmaZulu that was disappointing, conceding in the last minute of the game, ending up on the losing side. 

“But we learnt from our mistakes, and we are hoping to fix our mistakes, not to make the same mistakes against Durban City, which is on form, in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup under coach Pitso Dladla.  

“But we want to bounce back and do well.”  

Head-to-Head: A Season of Rivalry

Sunday marks the third encounter between these two sides this season. While their league meeting in November ended in a 0-0 stalemate, Richards Bay previously got the upper hand with a 3-1 victory in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals back in October.

With kick-off set for 17:30 on Sunday, Zothwane is confident his team can find their winning form: “I am definitely sure our boys will give their best to make sure we are on the winning side.”