Richards Bay FC and Magesi FC breathed a sigh of relief after beating Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants, respectively, while Chippa United edged Siwelele FC in Betway Premiership matches played on Tuesday night.
From the onset, Richards Bay showed serious intent of ending a three-match winless streak at the Richards Bay Stadium. They surged ahead after just six minutes via the boot of Sanele Barns. Barns beat Sage Stephens with a powerful shot from close range.
However, the lead was short-lived as Stellies responded three minutes later through Genino Palace to level matters. Moses Mthembu and Baggio Nashixwa took turns to waste glorious chances, while Stellies forward Tshegofatso Mabasa kept the defence on their toes. They were deadlocked at half-time, though Richards Bay dominated in terms of ball possession.
After missing several chances, Mthembu finally got it right, this time from a penalty conceded by Sbangani Zulu. Mthembu made no mistake, scoring in the 52nd minute for Richards Bay FC. They now sit in 11th position with 26 points, while Stellies are ninth with 28 points.
MAGESI WINS BATTLE OF STRUGGLERS AT SESHEGO STADIUM
In a battle of strugglers played at Seshego Stadium, Magesi FC put up a performance full of passion and enthusiasm to beat Marumo Gallants 2-0. Godfrey Mashigo and Motsie Matima scored in either half of the match.
This was a rather tense affair, a battle of strugglers with both teams facing the possibility of relegation. Gallants dominated the first 10 minutes but slowed down their tempo, giving Magesi FC room to gain confidence. Dikwena tลกa Meetse slowly clawed back into the game before going ahead through Godfrey Mashigo in the 21st minute. They led at half-time.
Magesi FC remained determined when play resumed for the second half, and Motsie Matima doubled their score from close range from a corner kick whipped into the box by Mcedi Vandala.
Magesi remain rooted in 16th position in the relegation zone with 17 points from 22 matches. However, they are now one point behind Gallants, who occupy 14th position. Orbit College also have 18 points but have an inferior goal difference.
SINOXOLO KWAYIBA EMERGES AS THE HERO IN CHIPPA WIN OVER SIWELELE
Meanwhile, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Chippa United showed character to beat Siwelele FC 1-0 courtesy of a second-half strike by Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
Both teams were slow to get off the blocks, waiting to break on the counter in the opening exchanges. There was nothing to write home about in terms of scoring, although Siwelele FC got decent chances.
Gamphani Lungu was a menace to Chippa United as he dazzled in midfield, providing some good passes.
However, the likes of Tebogo Potsane and Vincent Pule missed the target. For Chippa United, Justice Figuareido put in a good shift in the first half, but his efforts were not matched by his teammates.
The second half proved to be a different affair as Chippa United turned on the screws and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, courtesy of a goal by Sinoxolo Kwayiba from an assist by Sirgio Kammies. That was enough to give them a win.
On the Betway Premiership log table, Siwelele FC are in tenth position with 26 points, while The Chilli Boys sit in 13th position with 23 points.
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