Richards Bay will tussle it out with Cape Town City in Saturday's Carling Knockout quartet-final match at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban.
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Richards Bay saw their two-match unbeaten run come to an end when they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United away in Tuesday night's Betway Premiership encounter which was played in Polokwane.
The Natal Rich Boys reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals for the second year running after defeating Sekhukhune 1-0 in the Round of 16 on 20 October and they are now hoping to go all the way, and win a major trophy for the first time in the club's history.
City, on the other hand, also saw their three-match unbeaten run come to an end when they were thrashed 3-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night's Betway Premiership match which was played in Tshwane.
The Citizens reached the Carling Knockout quarter-finals for the first time since 2016 after thrashing Royal AM 3-0 in the Round of 16 on 19 October and they are looking to enjoy a cup run and go on to win this tournament for the second time having clinched it eight years ago.
TEAM NEWS
Both teams have suspension concerns as Richards Bay will be without the services one of their key attackers, Yanela Mbuthuma who is set to start his two-match ban after being sent off against Sekhukhune.
Meanwhile, City's defensive midfielder Aprocius Petrus is also poised to start his two-match suspension after being sent off in midweek. Furthermore, the Citizens will be without the services of Thabo Nodada who is busy with his injury rehabilitation.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Richards Bay head coach Brandon Truter
“The chairman made it clear for us that if there’s any possibility of a cup, then he would like a trophy this season – and the Carling Cup represents that opportunity,” Truter said.
“City are a good team. They just happened to face Sundowns in their own backyard, and if you look at their line, they rested a few players as well – so they have one eye on this competition, and they’ve come to KZN and picked up points recently,” he said.
“If they are vulnerable against us, it will present a good chance for us. But they’ll also test us with their speed. But if we fix our mistakes from the last game, the conceding of minor goals, we’ll be a formidable team.”
Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler
“Let’s not look at the past, but focus on the future – the focus turns to this game against Richards Bay,” Tinkler said.
“We find ourselves in the quarter-final of this competition, and this match is important for us in order to achieve that objective. Richards Bay can be difficult. Trut (Brandon Truter) is a good coach, which makes it difficult when you play against them.
“They are a very aggressive team, and they like to play in the counter-attack, which makes them a dangerous team. We will have to be at our best."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Prins Tjiueza, Cape Town City: The Namibia international has quickly established himself as a key attacker for Eric Tinkler's side and he is the team's top scorer in the league with two goals from five matches.
Lwandile Mabuya, Richards Bay: The attack-minded right-back has become an influential player for the Natal Rich Boys and he was the hero when they defeated Sekhukhune in the Round of 16 as he scored the winning goal.
Head-to-Head (Since 2022/23)
PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Richards Bay and Cape Town City.
ALL LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2022/23 Bay 1-0 City Lakay (og)
2022/23 City 2-0 Bay Mayo 2
2023/24 Bay 1-3 City Barns; Rhodes 2, Mayo
2023/24 City 3-1 Bay Gordinho, Rhodes, Kutumela; Figuareido
CUP RECORD
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Richards Bay and Cape Town City.