Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane says it would have been pleasing to score two beautiful goals and come away with a win after they were held by Orlando Pirates in an entertaining match at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.
The Natal Rich Boyz netted two stunning goals, the first coming through Thulani Gumede in the 10th minute. Sanele Barns’ free-kick was only half-cleared by Pirates, and Simphiwe Mcineka set up Gumede, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
The strike was hit with power, leaving Sipho Chaine with no chance.
Although that goal was cancelled out by Oswin Appollis in the 52nd minute, Lindokuhle Zikhali restored Bay’s lead seven minutes later.
Lundi Mahala held off his marker with his back to goal before setting up Zikhali, whose grass-cutting shot beat Chaine once again.
However, Bay were unable to hold on to their lead as Lebone Seema scored a stunning equaliser for Pirates in stoppage time.
“You feel very proud as a coach,” said Zothwane after the match.
“A player like Sphuzo [Lindokuhle Zikhali] has been taking shots for a long time without success, but in a big game like this, he takes a shot and scores.
“Sasko [Thulani Gumede] has good technique but hardly shoots, and for the first time he takes a shot and scores.
“Against Chiefs [at Umhlathuze Sports Complex last month], he scored, but I think this one was a superb goal.
“You feel good as a coach when you practise something and it comes out in the game.
“Before the match, during finishing drills, he was scoring beautiful goals, and we encouraged him to take more shots.
“You become happy as a coach when you see something you practised being executed in the game.”
Had Bay held on for the win, they would have climbed into the top eight.
As it stands, they remain firmly in contention, sitting 10th on the table with 27 points from 24 matches.
