Richards Bay FC overpower Baroka to maintain DStv Premiership status
Richards Bay FC hammered Baroka FC 4-0 in the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs to maintain their DStv Premiership status on Wednesday afternoon in Durban.
The KZN side welcomed Baroka at King Zwelithini Stadium, and a draw would maintain their status in the Premiership.
Richards Bay finished the PSL playoffs without suffering any defeat, with two wins and two draws in four games.
They beat the Motsepe Foundation Championship side AmaTuks 1-0 at home. Richards Bay then played a goalless draw away to Baroka before playing to a 1-1 draw against the Tlisane Motaung-coached team at Tuks Stadium last Saturday.
The KZN-based outfit came into the last fixture of the PSL playoffs sitting at the summit of the mini table with five points and superior goal difference.
AmaTuks occupied the second spot, and they were level on points with Richards, while Bakgakga were at the bottom of the log with two points.
In the 10th minute of the match, Richards Bay almost broke the deadlock through Yanela Mbuthuma, who unleashed a powerful shot that was saved by the Baroka goalkeeper.
Baroka also made a push for a goal, with Kabelo Kgotsile firing at goal in the 25th minute. However, his effort was inches away from the target.
SOMILA NTSUNDWAMA SCORES A SUBLIME GOAL TO GIVE RICHARDS BAY THE LEAD
Richards found the back of the net in the 37th minute through towering striker Somila Ntsundwana to give his side a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, Sanele Barns doubled the lead for Richards Bay after scoring in the 43rd minute.
Bay went into the half-time break with a comfortable two-goal lead, leaving Baroka with a mammoth task of staging a dramatic comeback in the second-half
However, Richards Bay dominated again. They scored two goals in the second-half through Ntsundwana and Mabuya to seal a 4-0 win and ensure the KZN side remained in the SA elite league.
Richards Bay ended the playoffs at the top of the three-team log with eight points. Baroka and AmaTuks will play in the second-tier league again next season.
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