UMHLATHUZE – Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane says he will not place his side under “immense pressure” regarding the potential of completing a rare double over South Africa’s Soweto giants.
The Natal Rich Boyz secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs last Tuesday at a capacity Umhlathuze Sports Complex.
The result propelled them to ninth in the Betway Premiership standings, with 23 points after 19 matches.
Facing the Log Leaders
The KZN side now prepares to face the other half of the Soweto duo: log leaders Orlando Pirates. The clash will take place at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday, a venue where the coastal side has tasted success before.
Their last league victory there came in the 2023/24 season, courtesy of a decisive strike from Sanele Barns in May 2024.
Zothwane, a midfield maestro in his playing days, was asked if his side could realistically beat both Chiefs and Pirates in quick succession.
“I don’t want to put ourselves under pressure,” Zothwane remarked.
“We will take the games as they come. Every game we play, we play to win, and we will certainly give them a good fight.”
A Score to Settle
While this is the first league meeting between the two clubs this season, they crossed paths in the Carling Knockout semi-finals in November last year at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
On that occasion, the Buccaneers edged out Richards Bay thanks to a solitary 42nd-minute goal from Tshepang Moreni.
With Pirates currently leading the standings, Zothwane’s men face a daunting task, but their recent form suggests they are more than capable of causing another upset.
