Richards Bay coach Kaitano Tembo says he doesn’t need to motivate his players ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns test on Wednesday.
The Natal Rich Boyz started their 2023/23 DStv Premiership season with two losses and a draw.
They were undone 2-0 by SuperSport United and 2-1 by Golden Arrows ahead of a goalless draw with AmaZulu.
They next face a Sundowns side, who have recorded four wins from four, alongside a MTN8 quarter-final victory.
While Tembo admits it won’t be an easy task, the Richards Bay coach insists his players will be ready for the Brazilians.
He said in the Sowetan: “It’s worrying, but at the same time, I think it’s an opportunity for the club to try and take a step further and improve from our last game.
Richards Bay coach Kaitano Tembo has expressed his concern about facing Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won their opening five games so far this season.#DStvPremiership #KaitanoTembo #MamelodiSundowns #RichardsBayhttps://t.co/SKgHhrdr8u pic.twitter.com/jDVaY9sAiN
— Soccer News 24 SA (@SoccerNews24SA) August 22, 2023
“I don’t need to try and motivate the players in that game. It’s a stage every PSL player wants to be, so it’s also up to them to show who they are if they are ready to play in that stage.”
Tembo added: “My experience in football, if you look at all the promoted teams, when they come from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, they do very well. Some start struggling either in the second season or maybe towards the end.
“It is something that I saw, I don’t know why, but this is what happens. I can’t be worried about getting fired. I’m a coach and at the end of the day, I will be fired anyway.
“So, I should not be worried about that. What I should worry about is for me to give my all to the club to show what I can do.”
