RICHARDS Bay FC will put their recent mediocre NFD form behind them when they host Ajax Cape Town in a Nedbank Cup round of 32 knockout clash at the uMhlathuze Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).

The NRB boys will be keen to get back to winning ways after three draws and three losses in their last six league outings.

But they are a better team than that, by far, and will relish the chance to punish the visitors, who will also be their opponents at home on 15 December in the penultimate game before the mid-season break.

Richards Bay have been bolstered by the appointment of battle-hardened exponent of the round ball game: ex Orlando Pirates striker Ian Palmer who, like most soccer coaches, has been around the block a few times – his former clubs including Maritzburg United and Black Leopards.

The Natal Rich Boyz have struggled since the departure of head coach Brandon Truter and Palmer’s arriver is perfectly timed.

Expect a good crowd for Saturday’s 3pm kickoff.

The Nedbank Cup matches have always provided plenty of thrills, and this will be no exception.