Ndlovu Rescue Goal Earns Chiefs Draw Against Richards Bay

Siphesihle Ndlovu rescued Kaizer Chiefs from the brink of defeat, blasting home a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 Betway Premiership draw against Richards Bay FC in rain-soaked KwaMashu on Wednesday.

Ndlovu latched onto an inch-perfect delivery from substitute Asanele Velebayi before drilling a thunderous finish into the top corner, leaving Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno with no chance.

Following the draw, Amakhosi move to eight points from their opening four matches.

Chiefs went into the cold, drizzling encounter without attacker Langelihle Phili, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks ago.

The fixture faced logistical challenges before kickoff. Originally slated for Umhlathuze Sports Complex, pitch degradation forced a venue change, while primary alternative Moses Mabhida Stadium remains closed for 2010 World Cup venue refurbishments, bringing the clash to Princess Magogo Stadium.

Richards Bay caught Amakhosi sleeping early on. In the eighth minute, Thabo Moloisane played a soft backpass to Brandon Petersen. The Chiefs goalkeeper dithered on the ball, allowing Nqaba Xulu to charge down his clearance and turn the ball into an empty net.

Chiefs responded in the 19th minute. A period of sustained pressure orchestrated by Mfundo Vilakazi ended with Sbani Mntungwa’s defensive clearance striking the arm of Thembela Sikhakhane inside the box. Referee Cedric Muvhali pointed to the spot, and Lebohang Maboe calmly converted the penalty to restore parity.

However, defensive frailties resurfaced for Chiefs five minutes before halftime. Another lapse at the back allowed Xulu to force a corner, from which the Richards Bay attacker reacted quickest to head home his second goal of the afternoon.

Amakhosi pushed forward in the second half as heavy rain lashed down on the pitch. Richards Bay missed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond reach when Thulani Gumede dragged his shot wide when clean through on goal.

That miss proved pivotal in the 76th minute. Newly introduced Velebayi whipped a pinpoint cross into the box for Ndlovu to rifle home, triggering wild celebrations among the traveling Amakhosi supporters as both sides shared the points.