“Don’t Bank On Us”: Zothwane Sends Blunt Message To Pirates Ahead Of Sundowns Clash
Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane has warned Orlando Pirates that his side won’t be doing them any “favours” when they host Mamelodi Sundowns on 25 April, as they prioritize their own top-eight aspirations over the title race.
Richards Bay have turned the Umhlathuze Sports Complex into a fortress, with Kaizer Chiefs dropping all three points there and Pirates having to come from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw in a sold-out Friday night clash.
Their only home defeat in the league came against Orbit College last year.
Friday’s draw dented Pirates’ hopes of going top of the Betway Premiership, as they missed the chance to overtake Sundowns, who now also have a game in hand.
Pirates remain second on 55 points after 24 matches, one point behind Sundowns, who are in action away to Esperance in the CAF Champions League semi-final on Sunday.
Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou had expressed hope that Richards Bay could halt Sundowns in what has become a tightly contested title race between the league’s top sides.
Bay will host Sundowns at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on 25 April, with another sold-out crowd expected following capacity attendances against Chiefs and Pirates.
However, Zothwane made it clear that his team’s focus will be on their own objectives, as they aim to secure a top-eight finish for the second consecutive season.
“They can’t bank on us because we have our own mission, just like they have theirs,” said Zothwane.
“What we always emphasise to our players is that no team must come here and dominate us. That’s the mindset for every opponent we face.
“That’s why we have only lost one league game at home, against Orbit College. I don’t count the AmaZulu result [because that was in the Nedbank Cup].
“It’s difficult to beat us here because we are not only playing for ourselves, but also for our supporters, who have been hungry to watch matches here.
“When they come here, they must get something from us. It feels good to play in front of our supporters again after a long time, and everything we do is for them.”
The Natal Rich Boyz, who would have moved into the top eight had they held on for victory before Pirates’ late equaliser, are next in action against TS Galaxy in a league match on Sunday.
