Kaizer Chiefs failed to record a victory for a second successive Betway Premiership match when they drew 2-2 with Richards Bay FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Soweto giants came from behind to bag a point on the road and a second straight stalemate after the 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns before the trip to KwaZulu-Natal. Nqaba Xulu grabbed a brace against Amakhosi, scoring eight minutes into the contest and then in the 39th minute.
Chiefs had Lebohang Maboe finding the back of the net from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, while Siphesihle Ndlovu grabbed Amakhosi’s equaliser with 13 minutes remaining on the clock.
FARPost takes a look at the winners and losers of this match.
WINNER: NQABA XULU
The former Milford FC striker scored his maiden double in the Betway Premiership, and it came on a big occasion against Amakhosi. That took his season tally to three goals in four league games.
LOSER: BRANDON PETERSEN
The experienced goalkeeper made another elementary mistake this season after recently being responsible for badly positioning himself to allow Golden Arrows to score the only goal that booted Chiefs out of the MTN8.
On Wednesday, Petersen was late to clear a backpass, which profited Xulu, who blocked the goalkeeper from clearing danger, and the ball went into the net.
LOSER: FERNANDO DA CRUZ
The French tactician might not be surprised to learn that some Chiefs fans are starting to lose patience. Wednesday’s result marked the third time in five outings across all competitions this season that Amakhosi have failed to claim victory.
They have dropped four points in the last two league games, picking just two out of a possible six points. That could brutally count against them as the season progresses. Amakhosi are now third on the table behind leaders Orlando Pirates and second-placed Sundowns.
LOSERS: THABO MOLOISANE & INACIO MIGUEL
Petersen might blame Thabo Moloisane’s backpass for being ill-timed and too powerful to easily control, allowing Xulu’s first goal. Xulu’s second strike came as Chiefs defenders failed to defend a cross.
The Richards Bay striker outjumped Inacio Miguel who could have done better to defend with his head.
WEDNESDAY’S OTHER BETWAY PREMIERSHIP RESULTS
In the night’s other Betway Premiership fixtures, top-flight newcomers Milford FC frustrated Polokwane City FC in a 0-0 stalemate at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Golden Arrows edged Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
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