Richards Bay vs Siwelele: Hosts look to make home ground count against Siwelele
Richards Bay FC will look to carry their late-2025 momentum into the new year when they host Siwelele FC in a Betway Premiership clash at Umhlathuze Sports Ground.
Head coach Ronnie Gabriel says confidence is high in the Richards Bay camp following a productive run before the AFCON and festive break. The Natal Rich Boyz went into the hiatus unbeaten in four matches, picking up three draws and a morale-boosting 2–0 derby win over AmaZulu.
“The mood in the camp is positive,” Gabriel said. “The players are in good spirits and eager to get going again. We want to set the tone for the year by starting on a high.”
Home advantage could once again prove decisive. Three of Richards Bay’s four league victories this season have come at Umhlathuze Sports Ground, a venue the club is steadily turning into a fortress after spending much of last season on the road while upgrades were completed to meet PSL standards.
Gabriel also stressed the importance of reconnecting with supporters and growing matchday attendance, believing the backing of the home crowd can give his side an extra edge.
Richards Bay currently sit ninth on the standings with 17 points from 14 matches, narrowly outside the Top 8. Siwelele arrive in 11th place but showed encouraging signs toward the end of last year, losing just once in their final seven league outings after a challenging start to topflight life.
Preparation, according to Gabriel, has gone smoothly. “The response from the players since returning from the break has been very good. We’re ready to hit the ground running.”
Off the field, Richards Bay have strengthened their squad with the additions of former AmaZulu defender Thembela Sikhakhane, Namibian centre-back Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa, and Ugandan forward Joel Madondo, who joins from Nsingizini Hotspurs.
With renewed belief, home comfort, and fresh faces added to the squad, Richards Bay will be aiming to make a strong early-year statement against a Siwelele side eager to continue their upward trend.