“Super Goals”: Zothwane Hails Richards Bay’s Discipline Against Pirates
Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane hailed his side’s tactical execution after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Orlando Pirates at Umhlathuze. Goals from Thulani Gumede and Lindokuhle Zikhali moved the Natal Rich Boyz to 10th in the Betway Premiership.
The Natal Rich Boyz scored two stunning goals, the first coming through Thulani Gumede in the 10th minute. A Sanele Barns free-kick was only half-cleared by Pirates, allowing Simphiwe Mcineka to set up Gumede, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net.
The strike was hit with power, leaving Sipho Chaine with no chance.
That goal was cancelled out by Oswin Appollis in the 52nd minute, but Lindokuhle Zikhali restored Bay’s lead seven minutes later.
Lundi Mahala held off his marker with his back to goal before setting up Zikhali, whose grass-cutting shot beat Chaine once again.
However, Bay were unable to hold on to their lead, as Lebone Seema scored a stunning equaliser for Pirates in stoppage time.
“You feel very proud as a coach,” said Zothwane after the match.
“A player like Sphuzo [Lindokuhle Zikhali] has been taking shots for a long time without success, but in a big game like this, he takes a shot and scores.
“Sasko [Thulani Gumede] has good technique but hardly shoots, and for the first time he takes a shot and scores.
“Against Chiefs [at Umhlathuze Sports Complex last month], he scored, but I think this one was a superb goal.
“You feel good as a coach when you practise something and it comes out in the game.
“Before the match, during finishing drills, he was scoring beautiful goals, and we encouraged him to take more shots.
“You become happy as a coach when you see something you practised being executed in the game.”
Had Bay held on for the win, they would have climbed into the top eight. However, they remain firmly in contention, sitting 10th on the table with 27 points from 24 matches.
Despite the draw, Zothwane—who had promised his side would not roll over against Pirates—was proud of his team’s application against an opponent that had scored 11 goals in their previous two matches.
“We played very well against a team that won 5-0 against Golden Arrows,” he said.
“One thing I must commend is our players—it is easy to coach players who are receptive. You give them instructions based on the opponent you are facing, and they stick to them.
“That is very good from my players. The energy, the effort they put in, and the amount of running we did against Pirates—if you are not willing to run and defend, you are going to suffer.
“I think they did that exceptionally well. As much as I feel that the goal they scored in the second half came at a time when we thought the game was nearing its end, the quality they possess means that if you don’t put pressure on Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, you will always have problems because they can shoot from outside the box.
“I think that is one thing we should have done better. In terms of the effort, this is a big point for Richards Bay against a team that is competing for the league title.”
