Fearless Richards Bay eye DStv Prem top spot

Richards Bay will be targeting the DStv Premiership's top spot when they host their KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.

The Natal Rich Boys have had a fairytale start to their debut season in the local top flight, having extended their unbeaten run to five matches when they drew 0-0 with Orlando Pirates away last weekend.

The KwaZulu-Natal side is placed second on the DStv Premiership standings - a point behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns and they will climb to the top of the log with a win over Maritzburg as Masandawana will be playing in the Caf Champions League on Friday.

Vasili Manousakis, the Richards Bay co-head coach, has pointed out that his side is fearless and that they will continue to grind out results in the elite league.

"We respect teams but we don’t fear them. That’s pretty much our approach to every game," Manousakis said.

"We need to grind. I’m sure you’ve seen that with some of our games. It hasn’t been [easy] sometimes it's 40 per cent, the other team has 60 per cent and we win the game 1-0.

"We’re a team that grinds and that has to work harder than a team that’s got more talent. We probably did that in the second half [against Pirates]"

Meanwhile, Maritzburg are struggling in the DStv Premiership at the moment, having recorded their second consecutive defeat when they were thrashed 3-0 by Stellenbosch FC away on 4 October.

The Team of Choice currently occupy the direct relegation spot (16) on the league standings - three points behind eighth-placed Lamontville Golden Arrows and a win over Richards Bay will see the Pietermaritzburg side climb out of the relegation zone.

Siboniso Conco, the Maritzburg attacker, admitted that the team hasn't been doing well, but he promised that they will secure the maximum points in Durban.

"Our preparations are going well, we are currently not getting the points, but we are putting in a lot of effort and the spirit is high," Conco said.

"This will be the first derby match for some of the guys who are new in the DStv Premiership. The match is a motivation in itself so that we can push ourselves.

"What I can promise our fans is that we will fight for the maximum points. We will bring back the maximum points."

Richards Bay: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ntsikelelo Nyauza: The former Orlando Pirates vice-captain has brought some much-needed top-flight experience and leadership to the Richards Bay defence. Nyauza will be keen to marshall the defence and ensure that they keep another clean sheet.

Somila Ntsundwana: The lanky marksman is vital to how the Natal Rich Boys play as a targetman despite having registered one goal and one assist thus far this season. Ntsundwana could be the man to inspire Richards Bay to a win.

Maritzburg United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rowan Human: The 21-year-old midfield sensation is the man who makes the Team of Choice tick in the middle of the park with his passing ability and runs with the ball. Human will be looking to play an important role in helping his side overcome Richards Bay.

Amadou Soukouna: The former Toulouse FC marksman remains Maritzburg's main source of goals, having hit the back of the net twice this season. Soukouna will pose a threat to the Natal Rich Boys' defence with his incisive movement and powerful shots.