Richards Bay FC coach Ronnie Gabriel talking to the media at the Nedbank Cup media open day in Durban on Wednesday. Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel has expressed confidence in his team as they step up preparations for their Nedbank Cup last 32 clash with defending champions Orlando Pirates.
The Natal Rich Boys have an opportunity to divert away from their Betway Premiership struggles as they focus on achieving perhaps the upset of the round.
The Sea Robbers are looking to kickstart their second defence of the Ke Yona competition and are huge favourites to do so having won it the last two editions.
The cup of dreams begins this Friday 🤩
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Standing in their way as the first hurdle is a Richards Bay side that has struggled for results in the first round of the campaign and is determined to turn their fortunes around.
Speaking to the media in Durban on Wednesday, Gabriel labelled the Buccaneers the best on the continent following their historic win over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League last Saturday.
“The preparations for this one have been very good, this is a great opportunity for this team to play arguably the best team on the continent at the moment, the group is galvanised and they’re looking forward to the fixture,” he told the media.
“We know they’re a team that’s on the up and they’re in good form at the moment but if you look at our previous games against Pirates over the years, we always give Pirates a competitive fixture and something to think about.
“Last year we went to Orlando Stadium and beat them in their own ground so we fancy our chances as well and we’re not intimidated by the opposition as much as we respect them, we have a squad that’s capable of handling Pirates on the day.”