Richards Bay fail to escape Playoffs as Stellies miss out on Champions League spot

Despite their 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC, Richards Bay FC couldn’t escape the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs with Stellies missing out on the CAF Champions League spot.

After Orlando Pirates’ 1-1 draw with SuperSport United, Steve Barker’s side only needed a draw or a win to secure a seat in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Richards Bay needed Royal AM to lose to Moroka Swallows to avoid the Playoffs. However, John Maduka’s side recorded a 2-1 victory over the Dube Birds away from home.

Richards Bay took an early lead in the 6th minute, thanks to Ntsako Makhubela. He rattled the net after a well-placed setup from Yanela Mbuthuma.

Mbuthuma, who orchestrated the first goal, doubled the lead himself in the 17th minute. He rose majestically to head home a free-kick delivered by Sanele Barns.

Despite spending most of the first half camped in the opposition’s territory, Stellenbosch lacked their usual cutting edge. They struggled to convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut scoring chances.

Stellies came back and pulled one back through Iqraam Rayners, scoring his 15th goal of the season.

ROYAL AM SECURED 2-1 VICTORY OVER SWALLOWS

Levy Mashiane opened the scoring, putting Thwihli Thwahla ahead before Lindokuhle Mtshali levelled the matters.

Swallows were reduced to ten men when Mtshali, the goal scorer was sent off before half-time. Royal AM took advantage of numerical advantage scoring the second goal in the second half via Sabelo Sithole.

BAY JOIN TUKS & BAROKA IN THE PSL PROMOTIONAL/RELEGATION PLAY-OFFS

Richards Bay will join AmaTuks and Baroka who finished second and third respectively in the Motsepe Foundation Championship standings. 

The playoff draw is scheduled for Tuesday, 21 May and will be broadcast on SuperSport PSL [202].

The three teams are allocated as follows:

CLUB 1 – Richards Bay FC 

Meanwhile, CLUB 2 and CLUB 3 will be determined during the draw between AmaTuks and Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele. The Playoffs will be played between 2 June and 19 June.

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