Richards Bay FC will be looking to solidify their recent upturn in form when they host Orbit College at home on Friday night in a crucial Betway Premiership fixture.
The Natal Rich Boys are keen to secure all three points as they try to climb into the top half of the table.
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Richards Bay, currently sitting in tenth place with 11 points from nine games, had enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run in the league before it was snapped by a heavy 4-1 defeat to champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
That being said, they bounced back impressively just before the international break, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over Chippa United in the first round of the Carling Knockout, a result they’ll hope sparks a consistent run.
Orbit College’s Search for Consistency
Meanwhile, promoted side Orbit College is struggling further down the table in 13th place with just seven points. Their recent form has been patchy, losing their Carling Knockout clash 1-0 to TS Galaxy, which followed a 3-0 league defeat to Golden Arrows.
Despite the recent setbacks, Orbit did manage to pick up four vital points in September, with a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants and a narrow 1-0 win over Polokwane City.
In their inaugural top-flight season, Orbit initially focused on injecting experience into the squad by signing established players such as Orlando Pirates loanees Monnapule Saleng and Yanga Madiba, alongside Thato Mohlamme (from Richards Bay), Lucky Malatsi, Thuso Moleleki and Yamkela Gamede.
With performances still underwhelming, the club has since made further, high-profile defensive reinforcements, adding former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebohang Lesako (formerly of Kaizer Chiefs and Casric Stars), and midfielder Papama Tyongwana (formerly of Chippa United).
Coach Gabriel’s Belief in the Youth Project
Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel expressed confidence that his team is finally improving after a sluggish start to the season. His philosophy centers on backing the club’s youth project.
“It was not the fastest of starts this season,” Gabriel told the Herald. “In our first three league games, we didn’t get any positive result, but we continued to believe in the blueprint of the club, which is giving youngsters a chance.”
Gabriel stressed that the initial struggles were down to young players needing time to adapt to the league’s pace. He believes that patience is now paying off.
“It was going to take time for them to acclimatise to the level of the league… but after the first three games, they started to come out, and they are showing that they are capable of competing at this level,” he noted, citing the five-game unbeaten streak as proof that “trusting the processes, and it is slowly paying dividends.”