Isithombe ORLANDO Pirates's Relebohile Mofokeng up against Richards Bay talisman Sanele Barns, as the two sides chase different targets.
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
Richards Bay FC are staring down the final stretch of the PSL season with one thing on the line that still matters to them, and that is to finish in the Top 8. In a season of inconsistency, playing the MTN 8 next season would be some form of conciliation.
There’s no comfort zone left now. No hiding or margin for error. The Natal Rich Boys have shown flashes of their ideal self this season. There's also been stubborn defensive spells, moments of structure, and the kind of grind-it-out football that keeps you afloat when quality alone won’t carry you.
Their recent match against Orlando Pirates could be described as one of those gritty and thrilling matches. Goalkeeper Ian Otieno will surely be looking for redemption after his slippery performance which cost them three points, after twice taking the lead.
Consistency has been the missing piece for Natal Rich Boys. The sort of form that turns mid-table survival into genuine top-half respectability.
And now comes the real test with three games that could define the course of the final lap.
First up, TS Galaxy.
On paper, this is the “best chance” for points considering Galaxy's current form, but that label can be dangerous. Galaxy may sit in a lower division bracket conversation, but their run to the Nedbank Cup final has already proven they don’t respect reputations.
They press, they fight, and they don’t fold easily. If Richards Bay switch off for even 10 minutes, they’ll be punished.
Thereafter Polokwane City:
City pose their own threat, being a side with their own agenda. Sitting in or around the top 10, they’re either be defending their position or pushing for something even bigger.
That makes them twice as dangerous: organised, motivated, and fully aware that every point now is currency for ambition.
Mamelodi Sundowns.
The benchmark of South African football at the moment. A machine that keeps churning titles. The juggernaut that rarely gives scraps away.
For Richards Bay, it will likely be a battle of survival and an exercise in concentration, discipline, and damage control.
Sundowns are not coming to experiment. They are coming for three points and with Orlando Pirates breathing down the back of their necks, the Brazilians will not be leaving anything on the table. Richards Bay will have to take it if they want it.
Other opponents.
Different levels of pressure but the same requirement, 110 percent focus. That's for every single time they step onto the pitch.
With six games left on the table, Richards Bay still have more than a mathematical chance of finishing in the Top 8; considering they take home maximum points from each of their remaining six encounters, they stand to finish with 42 points.