Richards Bay FC co-coach Papi Zothwane has cautioned Orlando Pirates against relying on his side to derail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race.
Pirates were held to a 2-2 draw by the Natal Rich Boys on Friday, dropping two crucial points in their pursuit of Sundowns.
The result leaves the Buccaneers trailing the Brazilians and dealing a blow to their championship ambitions.
With time running out, the Soweto giants may now need favours from other teams to halt Sundowns’ momentum. However, Zothwane insists Richards Bay will not be playing for anyone but themselves when they face Masandawana.
“They (Pirates) can’t bank on us because we’ve got our own mission, and they have theirs,” said Zothwane.
“We always emphasise to our players that no one comes here and dominates us. That’s our mindset against every team we face. That’s why we’ve only lost once at home in the league, against Orbit College.”
Zothwane also highlighted the importance of home support in Richards Bay’s strong performances.
Zothwane holds off Pirates
“It’s difficult to beat us here because we’re not only playing for ourselves but for our supporters, who have been starved of matches.
“When teams come here, they must expect a tough challenge. It feels good to be back in front of our fans, and everything we do is for them,” the Richards Bay coach told the media.
Zothwane had already warned Pirates ahead of Friday’s clash that it would not be an easy encounter, despite the Buccaneers’ recent dominant form.
Pirates arrived on the north coast brimming with confidence after emphatic victories, including a 5-0 win over Golden Arrows and a 6-0 thrashing of TS Galaxy.
Having defeated Kaizer Chiefs and held the Buccaneers to a draw, the Natal Rich Boys will host Sundowns on 25 April looking to cause an upset.