Richards Bay were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup after the 3-2 loss to Sundowns, but the co-coach is still pleased with the progress his side is making.
On Saturday, Richards Bay will face off against TS Galaxy in the DStv Premiership, a game which Manousakis is looking forward to. “Ja, I think it’s a great game for us, a great opportunity for us to show that we can compete against a team like Galaxy and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to prove to ourselves that we can compete against these teams,” he concluded.
Richards Bay co-coach Vasili Manousakis was disappointed with his side’s performance in their 3-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.
NedbankCup Last 32 results:
– Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Richards Bay FC
– Marumo Gallants 3-1 Magesi FC pic.twitter.com/Zk4XLZrX45— Sinethemba Sithole – Journo (@Sinethembah_) February 7, 2023
Manousakis was particularly annoyed with how his side defended in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, allowing Sundowns to score two goals and take control of the game. The Richards Bay tactician was proud of his side for their efforts in the first half, but was critical of their lack of bravery in the second half.
“We worked so hard to get ourselves back into the game, but you come out of the change room, first ten minutes, then you’re always going to be up against it,” Manousakis said.
“The bravery was in the first-half to lift yourself up after that goal and get yourself back into it and as I said, it would have been good to see that bravery when you come out and start halftime, we all know it’s a critical phase and you concede two easy goals like that.”
Manousakis was also frustrated with the fact that both of Sundowns’ goals came from set-pieces, something that had also happened in their previous game against Swallows.
Despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, Manousakis is still pleased with the progress his side is making and is looking forward to their upcoming game against TS Galaxy in the DStv Premiership.
“Ja, I think it’s a great game for us, a great opportunity for us to show that we can compete against a team like Galaxy and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to prove to ourselves that we can compete against these teams,” he concluded.
