No favours for Pirates: Zothwane issues Sundowns warning

Richards Bay FC co-coach Papi Zothwane has sent a clear message to Orlando Pirates: do not expect the Natal Rich Boyz to fight your battles in the Betway Premiership title race.

The Buccaneers are currently locked in a high-stakes pursuit of Mamelodi Sundowns, but their momentum stalled on Friday after they were held to a 2-2 draw at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex. That result allowed the Brazilians to maintain a one-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.

While Jose Riveiro’s men now need Masandawana to drop points elsewhere, all eyes have turned to Sundowns’ upcoming trip to Richards Bay on April 25. However, Zothwane has moved to dampen expectations that his side is motivated by helping the Soweto giants.

‘THEY CANNOT BANK ON US’ – ZOTHWANE ON PIRATES

The Umhlathuze Sports Complex has transformed into a graveyard for visitors this season. Since October 2025, only Orbit College FC has managed to snatch a league win at the venue. Even Kaizer Chiefs left empty-handed in March, falling to a 1-0 defeat.

Despite this formidable home record, Zothwane emphasises that their “stubborn” approach is purely for their own survival and supporters, not to influence the championship destination.

“They can’t bank on us because we’ve got our own mission,” Zothwane told the media. “We always emphasise to our players that no one must come out here [with points]. That’s the slogan for every team that we are playing against. That’s why we only lost one game against Orbit in the league.”

PROTECTING THE FORTRESS

For Zothwane, the motivation stems from a responsibility to the local fanbase rather than playing the role of “kingmaker” in the PSL.

“It’s difficult to beat us here because we are not only playing for ourselves but also for our supporters,” he added. “They have been hungry for matches here. When they come here, they must get something from us. It feels good to play in front of our supporters after a long time. So, whatever we do, we do it for our supporters.”

The challenge ahead is steep. While Richards Bay is notoriously difficult to break down at home, they face a Sundowns side currently on a relentless 10-match winning streak. For Pirates to reclaim the lead, they will need Zothwane’s men to maintain their “no-entry” policy when the defending champions arrive in KZN later this month.