Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel believes a deep run in the Carling Knockout could boost his side’s confidence and start it on another run of good form.
The Natal Rich Boys had their unbeaten run of five games ended by Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday as they were defeated 4-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Heading into their Carling Knockout clash against Chippa United on Sunday, Gabriel solidified his intent to turn the Richards Bay Stadium into a fortress.
“We’ll go and play in front of our home support and at home we like to win all our games at home. So automatically that should take us into the next round and then we’ll see where it takes us from there,” Gabriel said.
He believes that the cup tournament not only offers a chance to kickstart a new unbeaten run, but gives the opportunity for some players to get game time.
“But ideally it would be good to have a good cup run as well to boost the confidence in the squad, give other players a chance as well in these cup games to express themselves and show us what they [are] made of as well. So yeah, a good cup run will always be good for the team.”
Gabriel is happy with his squad, especially with how the newcomers and younger players have adapted to the team’s style of play.
“I feel in the past few weeks the group has shown that the quality is there, the personnel is there to do the job and to get results on a weekly basis. So we’re happy with what we’ve got at the moment. We’ll use what we’ve got and we’ll get the results with the players that we’ve got,” said Gabriel.
“It could have taken a little longer but the adaptation process has taken place very quickly. The youngsters that came into the squad, they have really taken the bait. They’re willing to go and they’re showing the quality and they’re showing that they’re capable of doing it.”
Richards Bay’s Carling Knockout clash against Chippa at the Richards Bay stadium will kick-off at 3pm CAT on Sunday.
