Zothwane Issues Defiant Warning To Rampant Pirates
Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane has sent a defiant message to title-chasing Orlando Pirates, declaring that the Natal Rich Boyz will not be intimidated by the Buccaneers’ recent scoring spree when they meet at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex this Friday night.
Bay enters the clash with renewed momentum after snapping a three-match winless run with a gritty 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch on Tuesday.
Goals from Sanele Barns—haunting his parent club while on loan—and a clinical Moses Mthembu penalty secured the points.
Although Genino found a temporary equalizer for the visitors, the KwaZulu-Natal side showed enough character to reclaim the lead and move up to 11th in the Betway Premiership standings.
However, a massive test awaits. They face an Orlando Pirates side that is currently “bleeding goals” in the best way possible.
Abdelssam Ouaddou’s men dismantled Golden Arrows 5-0 on Tuesday, following a ruthless 6-0 drubbing of TS Galaxy just before the FIFA break.
With 11 goals in their last two outings, Pirates sit second on the log with 54 points—trailing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by just two points.
This high-stakes showdown has already triggered a “Sold Out” sign at the Umhlathuze gates.
“In terms of the overall performance, I think our team did exceptionally well [against Stellenbosch],” Zothwane remarked about Stellenbosch’s win on the club’s website.
“It is going to be a difficult game since they are chasing the league title. But every time we play at home, it is not easy to beat us.”
Since the Umhlathuze Sports Complex reopened following a three-year refurbishment and a strict PSL inspection, The Natal Rich Boys has transformed the venue into a fortress, losing only once in the league at home this season.
“So, they should not come here and think they will win the match; it is going to be a tough game, and we will be ready for the match.”
This marks the third meeting between the sides this season.
While Pirates hold the upper hand—having won the reverse league fixture 2-0 in March and a 1-0 Carling Knockout semifinal victory—Zothwane believes the atmosphere in Richards Bay could be the equalizer.
