Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane has reflected on his side’s 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday, admitting that a costly mistake proved decisive.
Zothwane acknowledged that the encounter was always going to be a stern test, with AmaZulu enjoying strong form this season and currently sitting fifth in the Betway Premiership standings.
Usuthu secured victory through Hendrick Ekstein’s second-half strike. The midfielder reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Ian Otieno to seal the win.
Following the cup exit, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit will now turn their attention back to the league campaign. Richards Bay are currently 10th in the Betway Premiership table with 19 points from 17 matches.
The club is aiming to improve on last season’s historic achievement, when they finished inside the top eight for the first time.
“I think we played very well,” said Zothwane.
“It was unfortunate that today [Friday] we couldn’t win and go to the next round. But again, we were playing against an AmaZulu team that has been doing very well in the league.
“It’s been the story of our games — we concede these types of goals, and it becomes very discouraging because once you concede like that, you need to score two goals to win the match.
“We need to minimise our mistakes. But overall, the team played very well.”
Richards Bay will return to action on 28 February when they travel away to face Orbit College in their next league fixture.
