Richards Bay coach Pitso Dladla warns the Premiership newcomers against complacency after the Natal Rich Boyz started with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Golden Arrows.
Dladla hopes the first three matches of the 2022/23 season will help them get used to life in the DStv Premiership as they look to reward their chairman for believing in them.
He believes the opening day result was good for their confidence as they prepare to play Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune in the next two games.
“It’s a good confidence booster, but we can’t be carried away by the opening game. We still need to work on a lot; we still need to make sure we are consistent and manage our busy schedule as it is not an easy league.
“Not conceding was very important, and scoring two goals was a good start. We want to make sure if games are tough, we must at least get 1-0 wins,” Dladla told the media.
Pitso Dladla has warned the Premiership newcomers
He is happy that their opening three fixtures are at home and believes it gives them an advantage. “We are so glad that our opening games are in KZN; we want to take that advantage by ensuring we don’t lose and prepare ourselves when we travel outside the province.
“We are ready; it was important to win our first game in the top league. We need to make sure we avoid complacency. Every game, we must fight.”
He revealed that the club’s boss Jomo Biyela had made sure the team had everything they needed to have a good season and promised they would reward him with good results.
Dladla clarified the changed roles in the technical team, with Vasili Manousakis being elevated to co-coach. “What is important is we don’t do things for ourselves, we need to think about the badge, and I must say I was part of the meeting when changes were made about coaching staff. I suggested that we must beef up the technical team, so I was part of the process, and I’m happy that we chose Vasil,” he said.
“We must be fair to the chairman; we must reward with good performances, we must make sure we win all the games and take it from there.”
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