Gabriel: Gods Of Football Are Against Us
Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel feels the Gods of football have turned their backs against them.
Bay suffered their sixth successive loss on the bounce to SuperSport United at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday, the game they completely dominated.
They missed the penalty through Nkosikhona Ndaba in the 36th minute which was poorly taken by the 22-year-old and saved by Thakasani Mbanjwa.
However, despite Bay dominating the game, SuperSport scored in the 89th minute when veteran striker Bradley Grobler hit the first-time finish as the visitors walked away with the three points, offloading a bit of pressure on their coach Gavin Hunt, whose side was overrun.
Gabriel acknowledged the team’s tough run of form: “Experience in this game, it tells us that we have this type of season, these types of moments when things don’t go your way,” admitted Gabriel.
“Maybe later on this season those types of moments will go our way. So, we have to keep on believing, trusting the Gods of football that one day that things will turn around and it will be our lucky by ending up winning the game.
“During these times, yes, the moments are not going our way. You look at today, we miss the penalty, we dominated the game and they get the goal in the dying stages of the game and we go home with no points.
“It is the sad result, but we will have to grow from this and learn how to maybe finish off games and become better going to the Golden Arrows.”
Club chairman Sifiso Biyela also praised the team’s performance, calling it their best display of the season.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt echoed Gabriel’s sentiments, admitting his side was fortunate to escape with a win. He highlighted the importance of securing the three points, which provided some relief for his team.
“It was very painful (for Bay), but I must commend the field, it was magnificent, beautiful,” said Hunt.
“There were stages where we were just playing. I think tonight, Richards Bay, and for us, it was getting results than the performance.
“You can see both teams haven’t won for a long time and it looked a bit edgy and sloppiness from our side.
“I think the point was more important tonight for both teams then the performance. We got out of jail with the penalty and I think we have conceded four or five penalties this year and I thought when we conceded ‘Here we go again’.
“As I said, the most important thing was the points which jumps us a little bit, and gives us a breathing space. But it is not a breathing space because we have a game this coming weekend like everybody else.”
