Truter eyes top eight finish with Natal Rich Boyz

With the 2024/25 Betway Premiership on the horizon, Brandon Truter has set his sights on finishing in the league’s top eight when they get their campaign underway against TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

After finishing in 15th place last season, Truter expressed his desire to transform Richards Bay into a club with higher ambitions.

Richards Bay were reduced to competing in the PSL Playoff tournament at the end of the regular 2023/24 season, alongside both University of Pretoria and Baroka FC. Nevertheless, the KwaZulu-Natal side earned their way back into the top flight by finishing the mini-league in first position without a loss to their name.

TS Galaxy go into their initial league fixture on the back of a 3-1 defeat against Stellenbosch in the quarters of the MTN8 tournament last month.

Under the guidance of Sead Ramovic, the Rockets finished in sixth position in the league last season after accumulating 12 wins, eight draws and 10 losses in 30 matches played.

WHAT WAS SAID

Reflecting on Natal Rich Boyz’ goals for the upcoming season, coach Brandon Truter expressed his desire to achieve a top-eight finish with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

“We want to move away from that situation [fighting in the relegation zone]. Top eight is the target,” Truter said.

“I have not finished a season outside the top eight, but personally, it's game by game, and we want to win every game we play.

“It was important to breed a culture and create an environment of wanting to win and not being scared… we’re very close to where we want to be.”

The Rockets, on the other hand, became a major topic online on Friday afternoon, after it was reported that the club parted ways with Serbian star Samir Nurkovic.

“It is true that the club has parted ways with Samir Nurkovic. It’s a decision that was taken after careful consideration by both the Club and Samir,” TS Galaxy said in a statement.

“Both parties felt that their strategic goals have taken a different turn such that it would be to their best possible interest to part ways now rather than later when his contract ends at the end of the season. Samir is a top professional who has served us with distinction. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay: Somila Ntsundwana – Able to play as a striker and winger, the powerful runner was a star player for the Natal Rich Boyz toward the end of the 2023/24 season. Now an integral member of the squad, the 27-year-old will no doubt be counted on to unlock the TS Galaxy defence this weekend.

TS Galaxy: Kamogelo Sebelebele – The tricky attacker has already opened his account for this season after getting his name on the scoresheet during TS Galaxy’s 3-1 defeat against Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 last month. Sebelebele will, no doubt, be eager to maintain his positive start to the campaign going into the new Betway Premiership season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Last four league results:

2022/23 Richards Bay 0-0 TS Galaxy

2022/23 TS Galaxy 4-0 Richards Bay

2023/24 TS Galaxy 1-1 Richards Bay

2023/24 Richards Bay 0-0 TS Galaxy