Richards Bay resumed their DStv Premiership campaign with a 1-0 win over Swallows FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win saw the Natal Rich Boys reclaim the second on the league standings – five points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.
While Amaswaiswai remained 14th on the standings, as Ernst Middendorp began his tenure as Swallows head coach with a defeat.
The Natal Rich Boys were the better side in the opening exchanges, with Luvuyo Memela and Somila Ntsundwana combining well in Amaswaiswai’s half.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute and Tshepo Mabusa made no mistake from the spot-kick, as the 28-year-old beat goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa to hand Richards Bay a 1-0 lead.
Swallows launched attacks as they looked to level matters, but the home side stood firm at the back and Richards Bay were leading 1-0 during the halftime break.
Kagiso Malinga, who scored 12 goals in the National First Division during the 2019-20 season for Swallows, was introduced prior to the start of the second-half.
The 27-year-old striker had a chance to level matters in the 70th minute, but his acrobatic effort was well-saved by Salim Magoola in the Richards Bay goal-posts.
The hosts whose defence has been rock solid this term were able to contain Swallows in the latter stages of the game and ultimately, Richards Bays emerged as 1-0 winners.
Richards (1) 1 (Mabua 11′ pen)
Swallows 0
Richards Bay XI: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Mthethwa, Msani, Nyauza, Mathebula, Barns (Mabuya 90’+1), Zungu (Mtolo 69′), Ntsundwana (Mbuthuma 81′), Memela (Mthembu 69′).
Swallows XI: Mbanjwa, Damons (Mtshali 67′), Allan, Lukhubeni, Mthethwa, Wambi, Matsheke (Sait 46′), Sasman, Shwabule (Malinga 46′), Musonda (Isaacs 67′), Khumalo (Patjie 90′).
© Backpage TXT
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
