As the Premiership gears up for another thrilling weekend, all eyes will be on Athlone Stadium tonight as Cape Town City host Richards Bay (7.30pm kick-off) in what promises to be a fiercely competitive clash.
The match marks the beginning of a weekend filled with exhilarating domestic football, and both teams are eager to bolster their standings in the league.
Richards Bay are seeking a turnaround after collapsing into a run of poor form, managing only a draw against Marumo Gallants.
With their current 14th position and being just a point above the relegation zone, every fixture is critical as they navigate the knife-edge of survival.
Head coach Ronnie Gabriel has acknowledged the urgency of their situation, stating: “We are not naive to think that we are out of the woods (in the relegation battle). We know there is a lot of work still to be done.”
He emphasised the team’s need for consistency, highlighting the importance of securing results on a weekly basis.
📍 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑬 𝑻𝑶𝑾𝑵 🛬
— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) January 16, 2025
🏆 #BetwayPrem
📅 Friday 17 January 2025
🆚 @CapeTownCityFC
🏟 Athlone Stadium
🕒 19h30#PhakweGas #NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/FEIDA6P3rt
Cape Town City recently encountered a setback, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants last weekend, which halted their two-match winning streak.
Currently sitting seventh in the standings, Muhsin Ertugral’s side are just a point behind fifth-placed Golden Arrows.
A victory against Richards Bay could significantly strengthen their hold within the top eight, where they hope to finish the season.
The Natal Rich Boyz come into the fixture with no suspension worries, and their squad appear to be injury-free, which could inject momentum into their performance.
In terms of key players, Darwin Gonzalez of City has emerged as a pivotal asset, having netted two winning goals in his last three appearances.
His ability to find the back of the net could be instrumental in propelling the Citizens to victory.
On the other side, Richards Bay will look to forward Yanela Mbuthuma, who has shown his capability to spark inspiration, with two goals and an assist in the last six league matches.
His impact will undoubtedly be critical if Richards Bay are to distance themselves further from the relegation zone.
The other fixture tonight will pit a struggling SuperSport United side against surprise package Polokwane City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium (7.30pm).
Matsatsantsa have had an inconsistent first round of the 2024/2025 campaign, and find themselves in 10th place with four wins, four draws and five losses to their name.
Their last encounter against Sekhukhune might have been more scarring as they conceded three goals and had a man sent off, a result they will hope to turn around as they seek to further their top-eight aspirations.
Head coach Gavin Hunt will have to scratch his head as he looks to find solutions to his side’s lack of scoring goals, having scored just five in their 13 matches so far, the second worst record in the division.
On the other end, Rise and Shine will be looking to return to third spot as they go in search of their third win in the last five games. | Independent Media Sport