Tame start for Richards Bay FC

DUBBED the Natal Rich Boys (NRB), Richards Bay FC did little to convince their fans when they were knocked out after penalties in the first game of the Premier’s Cup on Saturday morning.

They had battled to a dour 0-0 draw against fellow NFD contenders Real Kings after 90 minutes of mostly uninspiring – even boring – play by both teams.

Shots at both ends of the ground could have been counted on one hand and there was little to indicate either of these clubs is ready to make a serious challenge for top honours at this stage.

But it is very early days, with the league season only commencing in late August, and at least the respective coaches will have been able to spot the good, the bad and the ugly as they seek their best squads.

On the positive side, the NRB defence, ably led by captain Boikanyo Komane seldom looked in trouble and goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo was a spectator for long periods of the game.

They also showed they were in fairly good physical condition, with no apparent fitness issues. Lacking in heaps, though, was the slick midfield passing reminiscent of Thanda’s championship style last year, with the ball being given away countless times.

They were also unable to create meaningful attacking opportunities and at no stage looked likely of unlocking the visitors’ defence. However, I liked the look of Michael Gumede in combination with the speedy Stanley Muishond, who could well provide the required attacking spark.

Unfortunately for the local lads, the comparison with the Amabhubesi is going to be made by the fans and it’s going to be rough trying to emulate a team that was unbeaten at the uMhlathuze stadium all of last season as they raced to a record league-winning points tally.

•At the time of going to press, Sunday’s semis and the final were still to be played. The results will be shared in upcoming editions.

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