WeeklySA_AdminSTANDINGS: Pride and prestige at stake as coastal sides Durban City and Richards Bay seek to assert dominance over the other…
By Masoja Cele
Durban City will travel a short trip to play neighbours Richards Bay in a local derby in the Betway Premiership fixture on Sunday at Richards Bay Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal. Kick-off is 15h00.
Richards Bay are slowly rediscovering the form that once turned their home turf a slaughter house – a thanks to the coaching combination of Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, all seems to be bearing fruits for the Rich Boyz.
Coach Gabriel was handed the permanent coaching position after the dismissal of former mentor Vusimuzi Vilakazi, and Zothwane was brought in to work alongside him. Before the FIFA break, they hosted Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup semi-finals and displayed a near-perfect performance against the Soweto giants.
They were unlucky to go down 1-0 against Bucs. It is prudent to hold that the players are slowly – but surely – adjusting to the technical team’s philosophy. Only a month back, the Rich Boyz walloped City 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the Black Label Cup.
Currently, the KZN side are sandwiched on 11th position on the log standings. With the league almost half way through the season, a win against City will improve their position on the table. To achieve the mission the Rich Boyz entire squad will need to add more weight to their performances throughout.
The KZN side have recently signed new players that include the likes of Malawian international Gabadinho Mhango , Thabani Zuke and Knox Mutizwa, both from Lamontville Golden Arrows, and former Sekhukhune United midfielder Lindokuhle Mtshali to strengthen the team .
The Rich Boyz have an array of other quality players who could sway the match in their favour. Lwandile Mabuya and Langelihle Mhlongo form the backbone of the team’s engine room.
The midfield pair are expected to deliver quality passes to speedy winger Mfundo Thikazi and striking duo Mhango and Mutizwa .
City (formerly Maritzburg United), who are debutantes in the Premiership after gaining promotion from the Championship have not disappointed in their matches.
The appointment of the highly experienced mentor Gavin Hunt was a perfect business decision. For his part, Hunt has turned the Banana Boys into a formidable outfit.
After twelfth matches Hunt’s team are lying seventh on the log with 18 points. The strict disciplinarian has assembled a competent team that has shown zeal and discipline during their encounters.
The former Wits and SuperSport United gaffer has blended youth with experienced players, including veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet, midfield anchor Haashim Domingo and attacking midfielder Thabo Nodada were signed from Cape Town City.
While left back Terrence Mashego came on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, along with the likes of Thulani Hlatshwayo from SuperSport United and Letsie Koapeng from Orbit College. These players have added quality to the City team.
A lot of focus will be on Samkelo Maseko and Namibian international Joslin Kamatuka. The duo have been in excellent form in previous matches, scoring five goals between them.
As this is a KZN derby there is a lot at stake to play for, bragging rights, pride, the badge and points.
