Richards Bay FC seized the KZN bragging rights and a massive three points on Friday night, overcoming rivals AmaZulu FC with a commanding 2-0 victory in the Betway Premiership.
The Natal Rich Boys have registered their first league victory in five games, edging AmaZulu under rainy conditions at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex.
Richards Bay welcomed their second Durban side in another KZN derby encounter within a space of six days. They previously hosted Durban City, playing to a goalless draw and sharing the spoils.
Beyond derby bragging rights, more laid in store for the two sides as they both gunned for a crucial three points in their respect.
The match saw a high intensity as both teams looked to start on a high note, hoping to catch the opponent of guard.
Richards Bay midfielder, Tlakusani Mthethwa was the first at a promising scoring opportunity in the fourth minute. Nevertheless, the Former Swallows midfielder squandered the opportunity, skyrocketing his shot from outside the box.
The Natal Rich Boys’ high intensity start eventually paid off in the 17th minute. The visitors took an early lead through forward, Moses Mthembu who pounced off a goalkeeper rebound, following a reflex save from Gabadinho Mhango’s direct freekick attempt.
A wakeup call for Usuthu as they quickly turned the dynamics of the game around in the first half, searching for an equaliser.
The hosts were forced into an early substitution in the 27th minute. Veteran striker, Mhango made his way for Lundi Mahala after picking up a knock in a collision with an Usuthu defender.
As the proceedings progressed, the visitors assumed more possession of the ball, applying more pressure on their opponent’s defence. Nevertheless, the referee blue for half time with AmaZulu still trailing despite holding 60% of the ball.
RICH BOYS SEAL IT IN THE SECOND 45
The second half kicked off in the same tempo as the first, with AmaZulu looking to stun the hosts with an early equaliser.
The game progressed in a lacklustre state, with both sides failing to create clearcut chances in the first 20 minutes.
Despite making four changes between After the sixtieth minute, the visitors still failed to pose any meaningful threat to the Richards Bay defence.
Instead, The Natal Rich Boys replied with another goal, doubling their lead in the 84th minute to seal it for the night.
A stunning close-range finish from forward, Sandile Ngema decided Usuthu’s fate in a rainy night in Richards Bay.
The Natal Rich Boys’ victory has elevated them to nineth position on the log table, with 14 games played.
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