KZN derby takes centre stage in Carling Knockout quarterfinals

Two KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) based sides will battle for bragging rights and a spot in the Carling Knockout semifinals as Richards Bay host Durban City at the Richards Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Richards Bay claimed a 4-1 win over Chippa United in the first round of the Carling Knockout to advance to the quarterfinals.

Knox Mutizwa made his debut, bagging two goals while Lundi Mahala and Ntlonelo Bomelo netted a goal each.

In the club’s most recent outing in the Betway Premiership, the Natal Rich Boyz were undone by Orbit College, losing 2-1 at home.

Durban City also claimed a 4-1 victory in the first round of the Carling Knockout, but beat Polokwane City in a drastically different fashion.

Polokwane City forced extra-time, drawing level with a penalty in the 88th minute. Durban City, clearly intent on avoiding a penalty shootout, piled on three goals in extra-time to seal the fixture.

In their most recent result, the Citizens fell 1-0 to another KZN side, AmaZulu, in their return from the international break.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking after his side’s first round win over Chippa United, Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel said the youngsters in his side are adapting well, aiding the club in putting good performances together.

“Our first three league games, we didn’t get positive results, but we continued to believe in the group and the blueprint of the club, which is giving youngsters a chance,” said Gabriel.

“We have to remain humble because if you score four goals in a game, youngsters can easily feel like they’ve arrived and think they’ve achieved it all.

“So, we have to keep giving them those psychological lessons. All our players come from our development structures, so we have to remind them that the work is on the pitch,” he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay - Knox Mutizwa has made an impact since taking to the field this season. The forward has netted three goals in two appearances this season and will be looking to add to his tally against Richards Bay’s provincial rival.

Durban City - Letsie Koapeng has bagged three goals in eight league games for the top-flight newcomers and will be looking to make his mark on the Carling Knockout. The centre-forward will certainly not make life easy for the Richards Bay defence.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first competitive meeting between Richards Bay and Durban City.