Richards Bay look to extend home form against Siwelele

The Natal Rich Boyz went into the AFCON and festive break on a four-match unbeaten run, recording three draws and one win, including an impressive 2–0 derby victory over AmaZulu FC.

Gabriel says the focus is on building on that run and setting the tone for the year ahead.

"The players are in good spirits, and we are all looking forward to this encounter because we want to start the new year on a high."

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns seek group advantage as Al Hilal visit Loftus

Home advantage could again play a decisive role for Richards Bay, with three of their four league victories this season coming on home soil.

The club is gradually turning Umhlathuze Sports Ground into a stronghold after spending much of last season playing at alternative venues across KwaZulu-Natal while the stadium was being upgraded to meet PSL standards.

Gabriel says reconnecting with the supporters and drawing bigger crowds remains a key objective.

Richards Bay currently sit ninth on the Betway Premiership standings with 17 points from 14 matches, just outside the Top 8 places.

Their opponents Siwelele FC are 11th on the table and showed signs of improvement late last year, suffering only one defeat in their final seven league outings after a difficult start to life in the topflight.

Gabriel says the team has prepared well and is eager to hit the ground running after the long break.

"Preparations for the game against Siwelele have gone well. All of the players have responded positively from the time they came back from the long break."

Richards Bay have reinforced their squad with the signing of former AmaZulu FC defender Thembela Sikhakhane, as well as Namibian defender Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa.

The club has also added attacking depth with the arrival of Ugandan forward Joel Madondo from Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs.