Richards Bay gain more confidence with hard-fought away point against Siwelele FC

Richards Bay FC head coach Ronnie Gabriel was a satisfied man on Friday evening after watching his side grind out a hard-earned goalless draw away to Siwelele FC at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Following a difficult start to their Betway Premiership campaign, the Natal Rich Boys head into the international break with renewed belief and four points from their last two matches — a much-needed return after losing their opening three fixtures.

While the result may not have been flashy, it signalled a meaningful step forward. Up against a side known for their dominance at home, Richards Bay held firm and, at times, even threatened to snatch all three points.

For Gabriel, the point on the road was both deserved and encouraging.

“Taking into consideration that it was an away game against a strong Siwelele, we will settle for a draw and take the point back home,” Gabriel said after the match. “The performance today was encouraging, especially being away from home. The opposition took ascendancy early on in the game, but as the first half progressed, I felt we came back into the game.”

Indeed, Richards Bay gradually asserted themselves and began creating goal-scoring opportunities, despite being under early pressure. Gabriel praised the way his players responded to the match plan and adapted as the game evolved.

“We dominated the exchanges and created a few goal-scoring chances,” he said. “Coming to the second half, we spoke during the break that they would be throwing numbers forward as it’s their home game. They were going to be more offensive and use their wing play, and we had to contain the crosses and the box entries.”

As the second half wore on, Richards Bay didn’t just defend — they threatened. Gabriel noted his side’s resilience and suggested they came close to nicking a late win.

“As the half continued, we got back into the game and we created a few chances, and I felt like we could have stolen the three points at the death,” he added. “But we are happy, and we will take the one point. We will continue to build blocks for Richards Bay: three points, one point, go back home and try for another three points.”

After a poor start to the season, Gabriel believes his team is now beginning to turn the corner. Last season, Richards Bay closed their campaign with a strong run into the top eight. This season looked bleak after three straight defeats, but collecting four points from two games has injected some momentum.

“The first two games we played, in terms of performance, we were very good in terms of statistics and goal-scoring chances. We were unfortunate in terms of not getting a positive result,” said Gabriel. “We always knew the results were going to turn around and come our way. Last week it came with the three points, and today another fantastic display away from home.”

Still, the international break brings an awkward pause just as things appear to be clicking. Gabriel admitted that while the rest period is welcome, it might disrupt the momentum his side is beginning to build.

“The break is possibly a bit too early for us; maybe we could have continued with the momentum we have gained in the last two matches,” he said. “However, we will accept the break and continue to work at our shortfalls and come back better after the break.”

With the signs of progress clear and the confidence returning, Richards Bay will be eager to pick up where they left off when the Premiership resumes.