Vilakazi Feels Under No Pressure At Bay

Richards Bay coach Vusi Vilakazi is brimming with confidence following the club’s recent signings, believing they have given him the tools to compete effectively.
The financial backing secured by the club has also lifted a significant weight from his shoulders.
Last week, Bay unveiled a multi-million-rand sponsorship deal with Phakwe Gas, spanning three years. The agreement includes a direct annual investment of R20 million in the club and a R40 million commitment to building a new training facility.
To bolster their squad, the club signed Siyethemba Sithebe, Tlakusani Mthethwa, Keagan Allan, Sbani Mntungwa, Thabiso Kutumela, and Fezile Gcaba. Additionally, Thabang Sibanyoni joined on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
These acquisitions signal a clear intent to challenge for top honours next season, a goal shared by Kwakwe Gas CEO Thabiso Tenyane, who has set a target of a top-four finish.
Vilakazi, who steered Bay to safety through the PSL promotion/relegation playoffs last season, welcomes the increased competition. He believes the financial support will enable the team to compete on a more level playing field.
“Not the pressure as such, we must take it in a positive manner that at least we will have a chance to compete fairly with other teams rather going with the aim of saving the club from relegation,” said Vilakazi.
“I think it will boost us going forward and obviously the players are smiling that they will get the raise and stuff like that.”
During the playoffs, Vilakazi was forced to adopt a certain approach due to the team’s precarious position as they were fighting for their lives to remain in the DStv Premiership top flight. He has expressed a desire to showcase his true coaching style this season.
“Definitely, definitely,” said Vilakazi without hesitation.
“Because, as I have said before, when you find yourself in that situation, I’m a coach that believes in starting the ball from the back, but I couldn’t do that because we were trying by all means to limit the mistakes because we were in the situation where we were desperate.
“Now, it is clean slate and we just need to make sure that we implement what we want to implement and play a style that I want. It was there (last season), the signs were that I want, but it was not fully maybe done. But we will see this coming season, we will do far better than what we did last season.”
The club’s progress will be on display when they participate in the KZN Premier’s Cup on 27 and 28 July at Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi.