Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel has vowed that the team will fight until the very end for a top-eight finish, which would mark the club’s second consecutive appearance in the top half of the table.
The Natal Rich Boyz currently sit 11th in the Betway Premiership standings with 32 points from 27 matches.
They were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Although they dropped points, Gabriel believes his side still has a chance of sneaking into the top eight with three games remaining.
Last season, Richards Bay’s top-eight finish was only secured on the final day after a victory over SuperSport United, combined with other favourable results — something Gabriel says continues to inspire the team.
“There are still nine points to play for,” said Gabriel.
“Mathematically, it is possible for us to get into the top eight. If you remember the last day of last season, we jumped into the top eight.
“We will continue to work hard. We will continue in our away match against Marumo Gallants to pick up points, and we will fight until the last day of the season to get ourselves into the top eight.”
The KwaZulu-Natal club will head into that match at Dr. Molemela Stadium on Saturday seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture at home.
Unlike Richards Bay, Gallants are battling for survival. They currently occupy 15th place in the Betway Premiership standings with 22 points from 27 matches.
The Bloemfontein-based side is winless in its last seven matches, having lost three and drawn four.
