Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel has urged his side to sharpen up in front of goal as they prepare for a daunting Betway Premiership clash against in-form Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium next Tuesday.
The Natal Rich Boyz have endured a stuttering start to the campaign, losing their opening two fixtures against Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows. While performances have shown promise, Gabriel is concerned by his team’s inability to turn dominance into points.
Speaking after their narrow defeat to Abafana Bes’thende, the co-coach lamented wasted opportunities.
“We have to be more ruthless in attack when we have our opponents against the wall, because just look at how the match ended,” Gabriel said.
“In terms of the synergy in the team, we feel the telepathy between some of the players, and we can see that we are playing a good brand of football, we just need to start punishing the opposition.”
Their challenge has been made more complicated by the departure of striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who moved to Orlando Pirates after a breakthrough season where he scored five goals and registered two assists.
His pace and presence in the box were key to the Rich Boyz making the top eight last term.
Gabriel moved swiftly to plug the gap, bringing in seasoned forward Gabadinho Mhango on a free transfer from Gallants. The Malawian international has been tasked with leading the line and providing the experience needed to guide a young squad through a tricky campaign.
Asked if he intends to strengthen further in attack, Gabriel expressed faith in his current group.
“The players we have are more than capable of filling the void left by those who’ve moved on,” he said.
Despite their struggles, Richards Bay have shown signs of a cohesive unit beginning to take shape. But goals win games, and without fixing that department, Gabriel knows points will remain scarce.
Their next challenge is as tough as they come. Amakhosi have made a flying start under Nasreddine Nabi, winning both of their opening league matches.
Chiefs’ attack, led by a revitalised frontline, will test Richards Bay’s defensive organisation while putting pressure on Gabriel’s men to respond at the other end.
“Playing Chiefs away is never easy,” Gabriel admitted. “But if we can turn our possession into goals, we will always give ourselves a chance.”
With two defeats already behind them, the Rich Boyz cannot afford to let their season unravel early. Gabriel’s call for ruthlessness in front of goal will need to be answered if Richards Bay are to return from Johannesburg with something to show.
