The Natal Rich Boys host Stellenbosch FC this Saturday, then travel to face Sekhukhune United on Tuesday, before welcoming Cape Town City in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals next Saturday, and then visiting Orlando Pirates the following Tuesday.

Truter says their academy graduates will have to step up as they look to spread the load over their thin squad.

"We don't have the luxury of a big squad at the moment, but we've promoted very good youngsters, and the trend in the country at the moment is [that] a lot of teams are giving youngsters an opportunity," said Truter.

"And at Richards Bay I found it [like that], I'm not going to say that I brought it on, and the youngsters here need this opportunity and platform to showcase their talent.

"Together with the maturity of the senior boys in the team, like [Siyethemba] Sithebe, [Thabiso] Kutumela, [Tlakusani] Mthethwa, [Thabang] Sibanyoni, we need to nurture these boys."

The coach has promised synergy between the Richards Bay first team and their Diski Challenge side this season.

"For me it's about coaching – they've been coached as well, but it's about the growth in the cloakroom, what they will face, their composure on the field, composure at crucial moments, and also to grow.

"I think some of the senior players in South Africa – not just at Richards Bay – have made every mistake possible in their careers, so it's for them to nurture the young boys.

"I'm absolutely in awe with what has been promoted, and I've been watching our DDC [team] as well, so there will be many others coming to join us as well."

READ: Truter reacts to Carling Knockout quarter-final draw

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