Zothwane: It Could Have Been More Against Chiefs
Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane says his side could have scored more goals in their 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership clash at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Thulani Gumede netted the decisive goal in the second half, capitalising on a breakaway before firing at the near post to beat Bruce Bvuma in the 69th minute.
Bay had several opportunities to put the game beyond Chiefs’ reach. Lundi Mahala fired wide in the first half when he should have done better. Knox Mutizwa, who replaced Mahala in the 72nd minute, was denied by Bvuma as he attempted to round the Chiefs goalkeeper.
Another substitute, Wandile Ngema, struck the upright in stoppage time when he also could have sealed the result.
The win was sweet revenge for Bay, who had lost by the same scoreline to Chiefs at FNB Stadium in August.
Zothwane admitted that while his team continues to create chances, they must learn to be more clinical.
“Every game that we play, we always create chances,” said Zothwane on the club’s website.
“We have to learn. You know we are dealing with young players, and this is a big league. If you don’t take your chances, you will be punished. Even today, it was the same story; we could have won by more goals.
“But we can only appreciate what we got – a goal and three points – and we can move forward from there.”
The victory sees Bay climb to ninth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 23 points from 19 matches — the target Zothwane had set before the encounter.
“We are happy with the three points, but not entirely satisfied with the performance, especially in the first half,” he continued.
“We lost a lot of balls, and it was difficult for us to create scoring opportunities. We had to address that at half-time, focus on using the ball better and then create chances.
“I think our players did exceptionally well by sticking to the instructions we gave them at half-time. The second half was much better, and I’m happy with the three points.”
Bay will now look to complete the double over the Soweto giants when they visit log leaders Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on 11 March.
Pic courtesy of Richards Bay
