Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter is determined to create a formidable defensive unit, reminiscent of his successful tenure at Moroka Swallows.

Known for his ability to transform overlooked players into key contributors, Truter aims to build a team that is difficult to break down.

Inspired by Swallows’ sixth-place finish in the 2020/21 season, Truter seeks to assemble a team that can match the defensive resilience of that era. Despite facing challenges from top-tier clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates, Swallows earned impressive results, including four points against Chiefs and two points each against Sundowns and Pirates.

A defining characteristic of that Swallows team was their defensive solidity, highlighted by a record-breaking 20 draws in the PSL era. While they suffered only two defeats, their ability to maintain a clean sheet was instrumental in their success.

Truter’s approach involves identifying and nurturing players who have been overlooked by other clubs. At Richards Bay, he has found a squad featuring discarded talents like Siyethemba Sithebe, Keegan Allen, Thabang Sibanyoni, Thabiso Kutumela, and Tlakusani Mthethwa.

The team’s recent 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the opening match of the 2024/25 season showcased their defensive resilience and improved performance compared to the previous campaign which lost to SuperSport United in last season’s opening game of the campaign

“If you look at the previous clubs, it is players who were not given enough chances,” said Truter. 

“So, they didn’t play and we are looking at players that came in and of course wanting to prove everyone wrong. So, there is a certain hunger there and you look at the rest of the team that was involved in the relegation (last term), there is a fight there as well. 

“So, it is a team that has something to prove. As long as they want to prove and the hunger is there, I can work with that.”

While Truter acknowledges the importance of attacking football, he emphasizes the need for a strong defensive foundation.

“But we want to be a forward-thinking team, we want to play attractive football. But of course, opponents don’t want to allow that,” he said.  

“The amount of time that is spent on analysis these days is always about weaknesses and strengths where you look to capitalize or make it as uncomfortable to the opponents as possible. But I’m sure teams will make it uncomfortable, it’s about how we receive that, how we react to that as well.”  

As Richards Bay prepares for their upcoming match against Chippa United on Saturday and looking to make two out of two, Truter expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their potential for continued success.

“Right now, we are adapting, right now we are very good in terms of team spirit, the structure is very good as well, first clean sheet in the first game as well,” he added. 

“I’m happy with what I’m seeing at the moment.”