Kaizer Chiefs’ season is fizzling out into a bitter end as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

This marks the third consecutive league loss for Amakhosi, potentially costing them a top-eight finish and a spot in next season’s MTN8 competition.

Chiefs failed to track Simphiwe Mcineka in the second half, who capitalized on their defensive lapse to powerfully head the ball past Bruce Bvuma. This crucial goal was a major boost for Bay in their fight for survival, pushing them to 20 points and eight clear of last-placed Cape Town Spurs.

Ernst Middendorp, coach of Spurs (who are currently in the relegation zone), was hoping his former club Chiefs, would win and do them a favor.

In an attempt to salvage the match, coach Cavin Johnson introduced Mfundo Vilakazi, but the youngster’s efforts were insufficient to change the tide. Chiefs did show some improvement with Mdu Shabalala leading the charge. He showcased some impressive dribbling skills in midfield and unleashed a shot after evading two Bay players, but it went straight into the arms of Salim Magoola, the Bay goalkeeper.

Somila Ntsundwana on the left flank mirrored Shabalala’s efforts, displaying some fancy footwork followed by a delightful cross into the box, but no Bay player was there to meet it.

On the Bay bench sat a familiar face – Ronnie Gabriel, who was unfortunately sacked alongside Vasili Manousakis and Pitso Dladla at the end of last season. However, he has been brought back to the team.

Shabalala had another chance to equalize for Chiefs, but a quick reaction from Magoola snuffed out the danger. Siyethemba Sithebe also created a scoring opportunity with a well-placed chip towards Ashley Du Preez, who was unmarked by the Bay defense. However, Du Preez failed to make contact, and Magoola collected the ball comfortably.

Despite a goalless first half, the game entertained the large crowd in uMlazi. However, the second half lacked the same spark and attacking intensity.

The turning point came in the 64th minute when Bay stunned the visitors with Mcineka’s well-placed header from a corner. He was left completely unmarked, allowing him to capitalize on Chiefs’ defensive error.

As Chiefs slumped towards their third consecutive defeat, Kaizer Motaung Jr., the club’s sporting director, looked visibly dejected on the stands. Chiefs continued to push for an equalizer, with Magoola making a crucial save on a deflected shot from Du Preez. Bobby Motaung, the Chiefs’ football manager, almost jumped out of his seat in anticipation, but ultimately, Chiefs’ efforts proved fruitless.