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Football DStv Premiership Motsepe Foundation Championship PSL relegation/promotion playoffs Richards Bay FC

Vilakazi Credits Saving The Club In Playoffs As A Major Career Boost

  • June 20, 2024
  • 2 min read
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Vilakazi Credits Saving The Club In Playoffs As A Major Career Boost

Vusi Vilakazi, coach of Richards Bay, believes saving the club through the PSL promotion and relegation playoffs will significantly impact his coaching career in the future.

Vilakazi steered Bay to safety in emphatic fashion, thrashing Baroka FC 4-0 in a crucial playoff match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday. While a draw would have secured their top-flight status, Bay delivered a dominant performance to cap off a challenging season.

Vilakazi took the helm in November after leaving his role as technical director at Chippa United. He was appointed head coach in December when Richards Bay parted ways with Kaitano Tembo due to poor results.

The team finished second-last in the league this season, forcing them into the mini-league playoffs. It was here that Vilakazi’s impact was most crucial, ultimately saving the club from relegation.

“Maybe the first thing I must say and be honest about is to thank the chairman for believing in me, trusting in me about such a huge task,” Vilakazi said after the game.  

“With the limit experience that I have as a coach, but still believed in me in terms of turning the corners.  

“I need to appreciate that.”  

Vilakazi, a two-time DStv Diski Challenge winner with Golden Arrows, was asked how saving Richards Bay from relegation compares to his other coaching achievements.

“The whole process, not only the Playoffs, but coming to a team that was not winning games, I think this will have a very huge impact in my coaching career,” he said.  

“I have always been saying and other people were laughing when I said ‘this is not the best of Kanu’, they are still yet to see the best of Kanu.” 

With the mentally demanding playoffs behind them, Richards Bay will return for pre-season training on 3 July. Their focus will be on better preparation for the upcoming campaign to avoid another playoff scenario.

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Robin-Duke Madlala

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