Richards Bay FC loses the plot
Whether it was Stars adjusting to the pace of the NFD or the local lads becoming overconfident, the signs were ominous in the latter stages of the first half as the tide started turning
AFTER strolling to a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes of starting their first game of the season, and looking totally invincible, Richards Bay FC lost the plot and ended up struggling to hold NFD newcomers JDR Stars to a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
The outcome was bitterly disappointing to a superb home crowd that had seen some of the best football ever played at the uMhlathuze Stadium in the first quarter, with the ball being spread wide across the park and the newbies looking yards off the pace as they chased the shadows of the men in blue.
NRB were creating a chance every couple of minutes and were rewarded when, after fine work by skipper Simphiwe Mcineka, imported striker Siyabonga Vilane crowned his local debut with a goal in the sixth minute and was later brought down for fellow new recruit Devon Saal, to calmly slot home the spot kick to make it 2-0.
Whether it was Stars adjusting to the pace of the NFD or the local lads becoming overconfident, the signs were ominous in the latter stages of the first half as the tide started turning.
NRB continued to create a host of scoring opportunities in the second stanza, but JDR Stars had gained a big foothold and were also carving out chances, especially from the left where the lively Moeketsi Makhanya was a threat each time he got the ball at his dancing feet.
Richards Bay had lost their composure in defence, with Junaid Sait – surely one of the country’s finest defenders – forced to take up the slack for his out-of-position colleagues on numerous occasions.
A poorly defended free kick by substitute Olwethu Ncube saw the visitors halve the deficit midway through the second period, and with 15 minutes to the final whistle they were on equal terms after another defensive blunder gave Vusimuzi Mncube a tap in from close quarters (2-2).
Jolted out of their apathy, NRB started throwing the kitchen sink at their guests, but each time it seemed a goal was a mere formality, pitiful decision-making and woeful shooting saw the chance go a-begging.
Head coach Brandon Truter will surely give the hairdryer treatment at this week’s training sessions, which should be boot camp stuff given the apparent loss of competitiveness as the game progressed.
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