Sundowns' quality too much for Richards Bay in Betway Premiership – Papi Zothwane

Photo Credit: Richards Bay FC

Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane has disclosed how his team’s plan to stop Mamelodi Sundowns failed on Wednesday. The Betway Premiership serial winners won the game 3-0 to step closer to retaining the title.

In a post-match interview, Zothwane said Richards Bay did not lose because they did not apply themselves fully, but rather because of the opponents’ quality.

“Looking at the team we were playing against, one of the teams that has qualified for the CAF Champions League final, we had a plan of how we could approach the game. Of course, with Sundowns’ quality, you will have challenges,” he said.

“We managed to deal with some of the situations, but because of their quality, we made some mistakes, and they punished us. However, I don’t think they created more chances. Our players did exceptionally well…we can take the positives in introducing new players."

"Very disappointed" Richards Bay were desperate for points in Pretoria, as they face a relegation battle, lying third from bottom.

Sundowns, who ousted Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League semi-finals last week, won the domestic game courtesy of first-half goals from Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners, before Marcelo Allende’s early second-half strike ensured maximum points.

Their 19th league win in 23 games left Miguel Cardoso’s side 12 points clear at the Betway Premiership summit ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday, days after Pyramids FC eliminated them from the CAF Champions League.