Richards Bay FC stunned Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening, a result that officially relegated Cape Town Spurs from the DStv Premiership with two matches remaining.
Sanele Barns’ first-half strike in Soweto was the difference-maker, securing Richards Bay’s safety from automatic relegation and keeping their hopes alive of avoiding the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs.
The vital victory against Pirates sees Richards Bay climb to 27 points, putting significant distance between them and CT Spurs, who are on 19 points, following their goalless draw against SuperSport United on Friday night in Polokwane.
On the other hand, with the loss, Pirates squandered the opportunity to leapfrog Stellenbosch FC into second place with just two matches remaining in the league standings for the CAF Champions League qualification spot.
ORLANDO PIRATES STUNNED BY RICHARDS BAY FC IN SOWETO
The Buccaneers made three changes from the side that beat Chippa United 2-0 at the same venue during the week. Olisa Ndah was preferred over Thabiso Sesane, while Miguel Timm also came in for Makhehlene Makhaula, who was relegated to the bench. Thalente Mbatha missed the clash due to suspension, which saw Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo start.
The hosts looked likely to score first as they dominated play in the early stages of the half. But the Richards Bay defence remained solid until their moment of magic came in the 36th minute. Barns capitalised on an opportunity to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
BUCS’ DOMINANCE COUNTS FOR NOTHING AS RICHARDS BAY FC SECURE IMPORTANT WIN
Pirates fought back for an equaliser and created a glorious opportunity for in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa. His header from a Patrick Maswanganyi cross went over the bar. The two teams went into the half-time break with a score of 1-0 in favour of the visitors.
Mabasa was lucky to remain on the field for the duration of the match after his dangerous tackle on Langelihle Mhlongo. Christopher Kistoor did not issue any card for the striker while replays show he should have walked off.
Pirates kept trying for the goal and winger Relebohile Mofokeng came close after his shot from outside the 18-area hit the crossbar. Despite creating many changes, the Soweto giants couldn’t find the equaliser.
Maswanganyi nearly found the goal for Pirates with 10 minutes remaining but goalkeeper Salim Magoola produced a stunning save.
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