Vusumuzi Vilakazi is confident that he can steer Richards Bay to safety in the DStv Premiership as he goes in search of his second win at the helm against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday, March 5.
.gif)
Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
Vilakazi was handed the reins on an interim basis after the Natal Rich Boyz sacked Kaitano Tembo on December 25 following a string of poor results which left them entrenched in the relegation zone.
The former Golden Arrows coach kicked off his tenure with a surprise 3-1 victory over SuperSport United on December 30, but back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United (3-1) and Royal AM (2-1) has left the team seven points adrift of safety in 15th place.
Vilakazi's side are now under pressure from Cape Town Spurs, who recorded successive wins against AmaZulu and TS Galaxy to close within three points of them at the foot of the table.
The Chilli Boys will be looking to arrest a four-game winless run, although they returned to action after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations break by holding Cape Town City and Stellenbosch to 1-1 draws.
Morgan Mammila was redeployed to the role of Technical Director in January after closing out 2023 with consecutive defeats to Polokwane City (2-1) and Galaxy (2-0).
Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo took over as co-coaches and have gone unbeaten in their opening two matches to lift the Eastern Cape club up to 13th in the standings, level on 20 points with Moroka Swallows (14th).
What was said:
Richards Bay interim coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi
"The primary responsibility I have now is to try and make sure that I save the team. That's the main thing I need to see happening in my football career at this moment.
"Going forward, obviously I'm still a young coach. What is important is to save the team in this particular time, that's where my focus is.
"And I know for the fact that definitely we will be saved, that one I know. But we will have to work very hard. We have to dig deep in terms of making sure that the team stays in the PSL next season."
Chippa United co-coach Thabo September
"Our team is coming on OK, the boost that we have is that Stanley [Nwabali] is back from a very successful Afcon. The team is coming together in a good way, it's going in the right direction."
Players to watch:
Chippa United - Craig Martin seems to have found a new lease on life at Chippa following his move from Orlando Pirates in the off-season. The winger was a thorn in the side of Stellies and equalised in the 68th minute to make it four goals in 14 appearances, although he missed a sitter from point-blank range to open the scoring in the first half.
Richards Bay - Sanele Barns has been the standout player for the Natal Rich Boyz this season and he was a constant threat to Royal AM from the right flank. The winger picked up a knock during the game, but still caused Thwihli Thwahla problems and put numerous dangerous balls into the box for his teammates, who weren't able to finish off.
Head-to-Head: (Previous DStv Premiership Meetings)
Matches - 3
Chippa United wins - 2
Richards Bay wins - 0
Draws - 1