Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns might have sent Richards Bay packing in their Nedbank Cup round of 32 match, but the Tshwane giants’ weaknesses were exposed as they conceded two goals.
Sundowns beat Richards Bay 3-2 at Loftus Versfeld to book a spot in the last 16, thanks to a brace by the lethal Peter Shalulile and a strike by Mosa Lebusa.
The Natal Rich Boys gave Sundowns a run for their money, exploiting Rulani Mokwena’s men’s vulnerabilities, especially in the first half, which ended 1-all.
And heading into the encounter, Richards Bay co-coach Vasili Manousakis had revealed Sundowns’ shortcoming, which is committing dozens of players in attack.
That proved accurate as Manousakis’ troops won a penalty after launching a break-out with Sakhile Hlongwa running deep into the Sundowns half.
The DStv Premierships champions were lethargic and got caught out of position on a counterattack, leaving Hlongwa with Denis Onyango, who was adjudged to have fouled the Richards Bay striker in the box.
Nkanyiso Zungu converted the spot-kick on the half-hour mark, with Lesotho international Katleho Makateng scoring the second goal for Richards Bay in the dying minutes.
HOW RICHARDS BAY EXPOSED MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ weaknesses
“They’re a little bit vulnerable on the counterattack because they commit so many numbers forward as they play a 4-1-3-2,” said co-coach Vasili Manousakis.
“Sundowns play with two strikers, three tucked in behind them, that’s already five. They leave the defensive midfielder on their own, and then when they push on their two full-backs, they attack you with seven.
“If you defend with five, they attack you with six. It’s very well structured, so they play with a lot of risk because they believe in themselves, and if you find the right moments, they will also be unbalanced, and you can expose them.
“And yes, they press you aggressively, but once you bypass that first press, you’d be surprised, you know, at some of the space that is available.
“I know that might sound hard to believe because if you look at their goals conceded column [seven in the league], it tells you another story, but that just tells you how difficult it is to break these guys down,” he added.
WHAT WENT WRONG FOR RICHARDS BAY AGAINST SUNDOWNS
Manousakis further stated that his men lost grip of the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Sundowns when they started giving away too many set pieces.
The KZN side’s coach also admitted that they were no match for Sundowns even though they tried to have a go at the star-studded outfit.
“What changed was when we conceded a corner from another corner; a set piece and, we don’t clear from the near zone, and a quick blitz and they get another goal,” he said.
“The best way to stop them is to try to go with them, which gives you other challenges and leaves you a little bit exposed.
“But I think [Sanele Barns] bones was unbelievable, getting in behind. We played a little bit higher and put a little bit more energy. It was a good effort from the boys.
“The difference in depth that they have and quality, it’s frightening, but still so proud of the effort.”
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