Richards Bay's Gabriel laments ‘cheap’ MTN8 exit against Mamelodi Sundowns

Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel admitted disappointment after his side’s MTN8 campaign ended with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, describing the goals conceded as “cheap” and preventable.

The Natal Rich Boyz were outclassed at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, where a dominant Sundowns side booked their place in the semi-finals. 

Iqraam Rayners netted twice, while Siyabonga Mabena scored a deflected strike and Simphiwe Mcineka turned the ball into his own net to cap off a difficult afternoon for the KZN side. While Gabriel acknowledged the gulf in class, he was frustrated with the manner in which his team conceded.

“All credit should go to Sundowns, but I felt we also gave away cheap goals — I mean, you look at the set-piece goal, an own goal and a deflection as well,” said Gabriel after the game.

“We played a tough Sundowns team and there’ll be a lot we’ve learnt from this game. I’m sure we’ll become a better team after this as we get ready to start the league next Saturday.”

Despite the disappointment of exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage, the fixture served as an important benchmark for Richards Bay as they prepare for their Betway Premiership opener. 

Sundowns, with their pace, structure and individual brilliance, offered a reality check that Gabriel says came at the right time.

“Playing Sundowns does give us an indication of where we are right now,” he added. “(Sunday) it was all about sharpness from the players and seeing our additions to the squad as well.”

Gabriel and fellow co-coach Papi Zothwane have brought in several new faces during the off-season, and the MTN8 showdown was their first real opportunity to see how the revamped squad fares against elite opposition.

“It was also about gauging where we are in terms of synergy and we got an opportunity to analyse a lot of other factors as well — and we’re glad we were able to see those things.”

Richards Bay now shift their focus to their league opener against Marumo Gallants, with Gabriel hoping the bruising defeat serves as motivation rather than a setback. 

The coaches have repeatedly stressed the importance of getting off to a solid start in the league after flirting with relegation in recent seasons. With the MTN8 now behind them, Richards Bay’s attention turns fully to building momentum in the Betway Premiership. 

While they may have been outplayed by the champions, the real test starts next weekend — when they must prove the lessons from Sunday were not in vain.