Bay Stuns Chiefs To Earn Crucial Win In Survival Battle

Richards Bay significantly boosted their survival hopes with a decisive 2-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in a packed King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Fezile Gcaba and Yanela Mbuthuma scored in the second half, securing Bay’s second consecutive home win against Chiefs in Durban.

Despite Chiefs’ early dominance, they failed to capitalize on their chances. In the 22nd minute, Ashley Du Preez, unmarked, headed Dillan Solomons’ cutback directly into Salim Magoola’s hands. Shortly after, Pule Mmodi’s shot was also easily saved by Magoola.

Chiefs maintained possession, but Richards Bay’s defense remained resolute, thwarting their attempts to penetrate. Du Preez again set up Mmodi, but Magoola made another comfortable save.

Bay coaches Papi Zothwane and Ronnie Gabriel, dissatisfied with their team’s start, substituted Somila Ntsundwana with Moses Mthembu. This change proved effective in the second half.

In the 48th minute, Gcaba headed home Justice Figareido’s pinpoint free kick, giving Richards Bay a surprise lead.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi responded by replacing Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Mmodi with Edson Castillo and Gaston Sirino. However, Richards Bay continued to press, testing Bruce Bvuma.

Their pressure paid off in the 72nd minute when Mbuthuma, the club’s top scorer, tapped in the rebound after Mthembu’s shot hit the post.

Chiefs struggled to recover. Substitute Mfundo Vilakazi’s attempt was blocked, and his subsequent shot, after a pass from Wandile Duba, went wide. The return of Duba and Castillo from injury was a positive for Chiefs.

Chiefs fans watched in disappointment as their team’s efforts to equalize proved futile. They have now lost consecutive matches at this venue.

Richards Bay effectively capitalized on set pieces and counter-attacks, exposing Chiefs’ defensive vulnerabilities.

This victory is crucial for Bay’s survival bid. With Magesi escaping the relegation zone, Bay needed to secure these points.

The win lifts Richards Bay to 11th place in the Betway Premiership with 24 points from 22 matches. Chiefs’ top-eight aspirations suffered a setback, but they remain in the top eight with 29 points from 22 matches.

Pic courtesy of Ayanda Shots