Vilakazi confident before playoffs

Victory at Stellies buoys Bay

As Richards Bay shift their focus to the promotional playoffs against Baroka and the University of Pretoria, coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi is pleased that they are going there with the winning momentum and confidence.

The Natal Rich Boyz ended their DStv Premiership campaign with a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday with goals from Ntsako Makhubela and Yanele Mbuthuma.

Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal for Stellies. Even though the victory was not enough to see them avoid playoffs after Royal AM also won their game against Moroka Swallows, Vilakazi said they would go there with a lot of confidence and urged his side to show the same attitude.

“I’m very happy with the result because we wanted to win the game and we wanted to finish on a high note because we didn’t have control of the outcomes of other games,” Vilakazi told the media at the post-match press conference.

AmaTuks will host Baroka in the first match of the playoffs at Tuks Stadium on Sunday, and Vilakazi said they are well aware of what they will be facing. “The past seven games, we have been competing strongly and if we can have that attitude against Baroka and AmaTuks, I think we can be victorious,” he said.

Vilakazi also insists that they will not take their opponents for granted as they look to retain their status.

“The difference we will have is that they are more hungry than us as they want to come to the professional level.

“I think we will have to dig deep and respect the opposition but not on the field and don’t take them for granted. It is something that we need to instill in our players to know that it is not going to be easy.”