Survival remains top priority for Richards Bay - Vusi Vilakazi

The Natal Rich Boys beat Polokwane City 3-2 in a pulsating cup tie at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night – a victory Vilakazi would probably have traded for three points to help them move up the league table. 

Richards Bay will discover their opponents at tonight’s last 16 draw, but Vilakazi was quick to remind journalists of their primary targets for the season. 

"One would have loved to get [a team in] the lower division, of course, but in our case we have to be honest with ourselves, and I think we are focussing on the bigger picture," said Vilakazi.

"It is unfortunate that we cannot say draw the game away so that we can focus on the next one with more confidence, so I think this win will have a huge psychological impact on our players going into the next game.

"So, as much as we compete, respect the sponsors and give all we can, it's not about that [progressing in the cup]. We're focusing on the bigger picture so that we can do well in our next game."

Richards Bay are currently second from bottom on the log after 17 matches and, having flirted with the drop last season, Vilakazi, who is the club’s third coach in two seasons, wouldn’t want their demise to be on his watch. 

The coach explained he’s happy to use the Nedbank Cup to restore the winning culture.

"With us, I think it's only two things that are important – the confidence to go forward into the next game, and also psychologically [improve] so that they can believe in themselves and know they can win games – that's what's important to us," he added.

"So I know people are saying it will disrupt us and stuff like that, but even if you want to do well in the league, you still need to be confident enough.

"So if we can use this games to do such a thing, so that it can have an impact going forward, so be it." 

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