Richards Bay chase second win in playoffs

Richards Bay FC will chase a second win in the PSL Promotion Playoffs when they face hosts Baroka FC at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

MATCH BACKGROUND

Richards Bay got their playoff campaign off to a perfect start on Wednesday when they defeated University of Pretoria 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium – courtesy of a strike midway through the first half from Somila Ntsundwana.

The result saw the Natal Rich Boyz join AmaTuks on three points at the top of the log, as the Pretoria club defeated Baroka FC 1-0 in Tshwane this past Sunday.

Kamogelo Pheeane scored late in the game to give the hosts all three points.

This leaves Bakgaga at the bottom of the log with zero points and in need of a positive result to keep their hopes of returning to the DStv Premiership alive.

And the Limpopo club have already taken a drastic step by suspending coach Dan Malisela for the remainder of the playoffs and replacing him with Morgan Mammila.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

This will be the first meeting of Richards Bay and Baroka FC.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay – Somila Ntsundwana

The 27-year-old forward scored the only goal as Richards Bay defeated University of Pretoria in their opening playoff match, and he will be keen to continue his form and ensure that the Natal Rich Boyz are able to maintain their top-flight status.

Baroka FC – Sekela Sithole

If Baroka’s attack is to be sparked into life, Sekela Sithole is the man most likely to do it. The Bakgaga number 10 has the skills and vision to harm Richards Bay’s defence and will be hoping to inspire his side to a first win in the Playoffs.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Richards Bay coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi on whether Baroka FC’s coaching change will negatively affect their preparations:

“I wouldn’t agree that this [coaching change] damaged them because It’s a coaching department that got disturbed,” Vilakazi said. “But the very same players are still there, and we cannot undermine them or take them for granted that they have lost the game against AmaTuks.

“Actually they are the ones who are dangerous because they are desperate to get the three points. So, they will make things difficult for us, a proper planning against them will be key, we can’t undermine them.”

Baroka FC marketing manager Richard Mashabane on their coaching change:

“Mammila's mandate is to help us qualify [from] the playoffs. We have not discussed contract issues and everything at the moment. We just asked him to take the team to the DStv Premiership and the rest will be discussed after the playoffs.”