Richards Bay, Baroka in battle for lucrative PSL spot

Richards Bay will battle it out with Baroka FC in the final match of the 2023/24 PSL promotion/relegation playoffs at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Natal Rich Boys extended their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions when they let a lead slip in their 1-1 draw with the University of Pretoria away on 15 June.

Richards Bay are sitting at the top of the promotion/relegation playoffs standings having accumulated five points from three matches, but they are only ahead of second-placed University of Pretoria on goal-difference.

Meanwhile, Baroka extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions when they fought back to hold University of Pretoria to a 1-1 draw at home on 12 June.

Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele are occupying the third spot on the promotion/relegation playoffs standings having collected two points from three matches - three points behind leaders, Richards Bay.

PERMUTATIONS

Richards Bay are coming into this encounter knowing they will retain their status in the PSL Premiership if they avoid defeat and they would also win the playoffs.

Baroka, on the other hand, will secure promotion to the PSL Premiership if they beat Richards Bay by a two-goal margin and become playoffs champions.

Furthermore, University of Pretoria will win the playoffs and secure promotion if Baroka beat Richards Bay 1-0.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Richards Bay coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi

“No, we’re playing at home. He [Morgan Mammila] must know that he’s coming for a very tough one,” Vilakazi said.

“We haven’t lost a game, and we’re not gonna lose a game starting with Baroka at home. They failed to beat us away, so we can’t allow them to beat us at home.

“So, it’s gonna be a very interesting one because he also has hope. I think he needs about three goals if I’m not mistaken to make it to the PSL and that’s not gonna happen with us.”

Baroka coach Morgan Mammila

“I’m praying for five. I’m praying for five and it’s possible. We need to believe that five is possible," Mammila said after his side's 1-1 draw with University of Pretoria

“Let’s see, let’s see. But let them [Tuks and Richards Bay] go and play a draw, 0-0. So that if I win 1-0, we’ll check me and Tuks.

"Surely, Tuks, maybe head-to-head they’ll go through because they’ve won against us.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Yanele Mbuthuma, Richards Bay: The 22-year-old forward has two goals from three playoff matches and he might be the player to inspire the Natal Rich Boys to a win over Baroka.

Kabelo Kgositsile, Baroka: The promising lefty provided the assist for Baroka's only goal in the playoffs and he will be keen to play a key role in helping his side secure a win in Durban.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the second-ever meeting between Richards Bay and Baroka with their first match having ended in a 0-0 draw on 8 June.