Missed opportunity for Richards Bay says coach

Richards Bay left East London on Sunday feeling they had missed out on a good opportunity to add points to their early season tally after going down 1-0 to Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Saturday night.

The match at the Buffalo City Stadium was decided by a first half own goal by Richards Bay’s new striker Thabiso Kutumela, making his debut for the club after moving from Cape Town City.

“I think we should have gotten more from the game, at least a point to walk away from here,” said coach Brandon Truter, quickly turning his attention to Tuesday’s Heritage Day clash away at Royal Am.

“But I’m proud of the boys. I think in the first half, it was a bit end-to-end, maybe slightly they had a bit more of the play than us and they managed to get the goal, of course,” he added.

“Then in the second half, we wanted to be a bit more aggressive, to the press a bit higher up the pitch as well. I think first half, we were deep and took too long to get out.

“In the second half, we managed to fix that and press a bit higher. And then we took control of the game. I think second half we were very good, but of course, there was numerous last-third entries into the box as well, but nothing to show for it.

“So that's the area to work on. But other than that, I'm proud of the boys, and I'll take the positives out of the game,” Truter emphasized.

Richards Bay had won their opening game of the season against TS Galaxy in Umlazi last weekend and remain on three points after two matches.

They have traveled back to Durban to regroup before going to the Harry Gwala Stadium in Maritzburg on Tuesday where they will meet Royal AM.

“Look, yeah, I know there's a good coach in John (Maduka). They couldn't sign any players, so I think the players know him by now, and it's a good understanding between the staff and the players.

“With them as well, it's a derby, and there's a bit of rivalry between the clubs. So, I don't expect the easy game, but for us is to regroup and get back to KZN and focus on Tuesday,” said Truter.