Zothwane: Bay Can Make History In The Nedbank Cup

Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane believes his side can etch their name into history by winning the Nedbank Cup.

With Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns currently battling for the league title, Zothwane admits that for so-called smaller clubs, winning the Betway Premiership is increasingly difficult.

Realistically, cup competitions present the best opportunity for silverware outside the traditional powerhouses.

However, even knockout competitions present a tough challenge. Pirates have already lifted two trophies this season — the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup — underlining the dominance of the country’s top sides.

Can Richards Bay Follow Past Underdogs?

While the Nedbank Cup is famously known as the “Cup of Dreams,” recent history has favoured the giants. Over the past four seasons, the trophy has been won by Sundowns, Pirates (twice), and Kaizer Chiefs.

The last true underdog to lift the trophy was Marumo Gallants (then known as TTM) in the 2020/21 season.

Other surprise winners include TS Galaxy, who stunned Chiefs in the 2018/19 final in Durban, and Free State Stars, who triumphed in 2017/18 after defeating Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United).

Zothwane believes those examples prove that Richards Bay can dare to dream.

Focus on AmaZulu Clash

The Natal Rich Boys will host AmaZulu FC in the Round of 16 at Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Friday, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

“If you take it into consideration, a cup game is an opportunity to change lives,” said Zothwane, who won the Carling Knockout last season as assistant coach at Magesi FC when they defeated Sundowns in the final.

“Winning a final brings incentives for the players and is good for the team. But our main focus is to prepare properly for each game.”

The Natal Rich Boyz have reached the last three semi-finals of the Carling Knockout, with every team that eliminated them going on to win the tournament — a sign of how competitive they have been in knockout football.

“In cup competitions, the team has been doing exceptionally well,” Zothwane added. “But you don’t just play to reach the next round — the bigger picture is to win the cup. That is what most teams are playing for.

“It is possible when you look at the teams that have won it before. It is no different for us.”