RICHARDS BAY V BAROKA | WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE | KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI STADIUM | 15:00
The PSL promotion/relegation playoffs reached their climax on Wednesday, 19th June, with a winner-takes-all clash between Richards Bay and Baroka FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
To win (90 min)
Richards Bay 19/20
Draw 17/10
Baroka 34/10
RICHARDS BAY
Richards Bay aims to secure promotion and is in control to do just that. The Natal Rich Boyz currently hold the upper hand, sitting atop the standings with five points from three matches. They are unbeaten in the playoffs, drawing with Baroka (0-0) and University of Pretoria (1-1), after starting this campaign with a 1-nil win over TUKS.
A win or draw in this one will secure their PSL status and potentially the playoff championship. There have been two shining stars in Vilakazi’s artillery. At the business end of the pitch, striker Siphesihle Mkhize has looked sharp and will be looking to add to his account when he comes up against the NFD side, after finding the back of the net against TUKS.
At the opposite end, shot-stopper Salim Jamal Magoola has been a rock at the back for Richards Bay. He will look to add to his clean sheet tally in these playoffs and capitalize on their home advantage in this one.
BAROKA
Baroka Needs a Miracle. Baroka FC finds themselves in a precarious position, languishing at the bottom of the table with just two points. Their only hope for promotion rests on a narrow 2-0 victory against Richards Bay. A win by any other margin would see them return to the National First Division.
Experienced midfielder Sekela Sithole will be crucial for Baroka in controlling the tempo, while the pace of their wingers could bear some fruit against the Natal Rich Boyz. Baroka coach Morgan Mammila knows his team has their backs against the wall and will need a fighting performance to pull off a dramatic escape from relegation.
Baroka though would need maximum points and a two-goal margin victory if they are to overtake Richards Bay and finish top. Meanwhile, a 1 nil for Baroka would send Tuks up. The last time the Natal Rich Boys faced Baroka, the teams played out a goalless draw in the playoffs. With that being said, I expect Baroka to come out fighting, making this a tense and potentially close encounter.
PREDICTION: Richards Bay win
This winner-takes-all encounter promises high drama. While Tuks have finished their play-off games, a win or a draw for Richards Bay will see them play top-flight football next term. The KZN-based outfit has a strong run of form coming into this one and should get them over the line in their bid to secure their place in the top flight. Richards Bay’s unbeaten run and home advantage make them slight favorites.
Written by Desh Parthab