Richards Bay take aim at top eight rivals Arrows
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
FORM
The Natal Rich Boys extended their winless run to eight matches in the league when they lost 2-0 to Orlando Pirates at home on April 1 and it was their sixth successive defeat in the competition.
The reigning NFD champions are placed sixth on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind fifth-placed Cape Town City and three points above 12th-placed AmaZulu FC with six games left.
Meanwhile, Arrows are undefeated in their last two matches having drawn 0-0 with Sekhukhune United at home on April 2 and they won their last away game which was against Swallows FC on March 17.
Abafana Bes'thende are placed 10th on the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind sixth-placed Richards Bay as the battle to finish in the top eight intensfies.
TEAM NEWS
Richards Bay will welcome back their first-choice goalkeeper Salim Magoola who has served his two-match suspension, while speedy attacker Sanele Barns is back after his mother's bereavement.
Arrows, on the other hand, will be without right-back Siyavuya Ndlovu who will be serving a one-match suspension and the two clubs are yet to report any injuries coming into their KwaZulu-Natal Derby clash.
WHAT WAS SAID
Richards Bay head coach Vasili Manousakis
"We knew it was going to be a transition game [against Pirates], and you look at the quality they have. One team scored their chances today and the other team didn’t," Manousakis said.
“Poorly in the first goal, we didn't block the cross. We worked on cover and stepping out to block crosses. I mean really, before then, nothing much has happened, a little bit disappointed with that.
“And yes, you can say what you want about the last goal, just open at that stage. But overall, we defended much better than we did against TS Galaxy [4-0 loss] and hopefully it gives us something to build on.”
Golden Arrows vice-captain Nduduzo Sibiya
"We know the situation we are currently in. So, we are going for the maximum points. Drawing against Sekhukhune United was a setback for us," Sibiya told Backpage Media.
"We have since turned our focus to our game against Richards Bay. We are definitely confident of beating Richards Bay because they beat us [2-0] in our first round league match.
"So, now we want to avenge that defeat when we meet them this weekend."
Richards Bay: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Salim Magoola: The Uganda international's return has come as a massive boost for Richards Bay as he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the DStv Premiership this season having kept 11 clean sheets from 22 games.
Sanele Barns: The speedy winger has been one of Richards Bay's standout performers this season - scoring three times and providing two assists. Barnes could be the player to inspire Richards Bay to a much-needed win.
Golden Arrows: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nduduzo Sibiya: The skillful attacking midfielder has been one of Arrows' most influential players this season having scored four times and provided two assists in the league. Sibiya has the ability to propel Arrows to a win.
Knox Mutizwa: The Zimbabwe international remains Arrows' top scorer this season having netted eight goals across all competitions, but he has failed to score in his last two games and he will be eager to end his mini goal-drought.
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