BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
By Sello Masilo
Richards Bay finally snapped their eight-match winless run in the Betway Premiership with a crucial 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on Saturday afternoon.
The Natal Rich Boys not only ended their winless streak but also halted a five-match losing run, climbing to 15th place in the league standings. They will aim to build on this performance when they host Mamelodi Sundowns on 28 December.
For Golden Arrows, the loss marked the end of their three-match unbeaten run, leaving them in sixth place. Coach Mabhuti Khenyeza will be looking for a quick turnaround when Arrows welcome Polokwane City on the same date.
The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both sides failing to create clear-cut chances in the first 30 minutes. Neither Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova nor his Richards Bay counterpart Salim Magoola was significantly tested during this period.
Richards Bay’s 22-year-old striker, Yanela Mbuthuma, showed signs of intent just past the half-hour mark. His 32nd-minute shot was blocked, and four minutes later, his attempt missed the target entirely. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.
After the break, the Natal Rich Boys came out more determined to find the opening goal. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when 19-year-old Lindokuhle Zikhali scored his first professional goal to hand Richards Bay the lead.
Golden Arrows pushed for an equaliser in the final stages of the match but found themselves vulnerable to Richards Bay’s counter-attacks. Substitute Ntlonelo Bomelo came close to doubling the lead for the Natal Rich Boys in stoppage time, but Edward Maova made a fine save to keep the score at 1-0. Ultimately, Richards Bay held on for a vital win.
Match Details:
Golden Arrows 0
Richards Bay (0) 1 (Zikhali 75’)
Golden Arrows Line-up:
Maova, Phillips, Shitolo, Mantshiyane, Dube (Dlamini 66’), Zwane (Sibiya 46’), Van Rooi (Lukhele 79’), Theron (Libamba 79’), Ndwandwe, Mthanti (Mchunu 66’), Moon.
Richards Bay Line-up:
Magoola, Dube, Ndaba, Allan, Mcineka, Mthethwa, Gumede (Conco 74’), Zikhali (Mabua 84’), Mbuthuma (Bomelo 84’), Kutumela (Mthembu 66’), Ntsundwana (Mabuya 74’).
Post-Match Analysis
The win marked a significant turning point for Richards Bay, showcasing their resolve and resilience. Lindokuhle Zikhali’s goal not only secured the team’s first victory in nine games but also highlighted the potential of the 19-year-old forward as a rising talent.
Golden Arrows, while maintaining possession for stretches of the game, struggled to convert opportunities into meaningful threats. Their defeat underscores the need for improved attacking cohesion as they prepare for their next encounter.
What’s Next?
Richards Bay will now prepare to face the league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, in a challenging home fixture on 28 December. The Natal Rich Boys will hope to carry their newfound momentum into the match against the defending champions.
Golden Arrows, on the other hand, will focus on bouncing back when they host Polokwane City on the same day. With their unbeaten streak now broken, Abafana Bes’thende will aim to regain their footing and consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
This victory provides Richards Bay with a lifeline as they fight to avoid relegation. Their ability to maintain this level of performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their fate this season.
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