Richards Bay Primed For Sundowns Showdown
Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel insists that securing three points against TS Galaxy was vital for building the confidence needed to face Mamelodi Sundowns this Sunday.
Sanele Barns netted the winner at Mbombela Stadium, keeping the Natal Rich Boys on track for a second successive top-eight finish.
While the result cost Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic his job on Thursday, the Bay technical team is focused solely on their own aspirations as they prepare to host the Brazilians at a sold-out Umhlathuze Sports Complex.
Sundowns arrive in KwaZulu-Natal hungry for points in a tight title race with Orlando Pirates.
Unlike Richards Bay, Miguel Cardoso’s men are coming off a frustrating 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday.
That stalemate left Sundowns in second place with 57 points—one point behind Pirates—though they crucially retain a game in hand.
“We spoke about getting a positive result here leading up to that game, and playing with confidence,” said Gabriel on the club’s website.
“This match gave us an opportunity because the opposition didn’t press us high. It allowed us to progress from the build-up phase into consolidation and then into the finishing phase.
“We tried to vary our approach and play in different blocks, and it worked on several occasions. However, they also created a few chances on the counter.”
Despite Galaxy threatening on the counter-attack, Gabriel emphasized that the result was the only priority. “At the end of the day, it was about the result. We came here to get three points.
“You saw towards the end of the game we brought on Thabani Zuke and Tlakusani Mthethwa to help consolidate the lead and ensure we went home with all three points.”
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. Sundowns currently hold the upper hand, having won both the MTN8 quarter-final and the reverse league fixture.
However, with a capacity crowd expected in Richards Bay, the home side is looking to turn the tide.
