Richards Bay Deepens Chiefs Woes

Richards Bay capitalised on Kaizer Chiefs’ emotionally draining Soweto Derby defeat to secure a 1-0 victory over Amakhosi in a Betway Premiership clash at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Tuesday.

It could have been worse for Chiefs had goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma not produced three crucial saves in the closing stages, denying Knox Mutizwa and keeping the scoreline respectable.

The defeat marked Amakhosi’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions and their first away defeat of the league campaign. Chiefs remain fifth on the table with 30 points from 18 matches, while Richards Bay climbed to ninth on 23 points after 19 outings.

These are troubling times for Chiefs. The frustration was evident even before kick-off, with sections of the travelling supporters booing the team during the warm-up.

Chiefs came into the match still reeling from their 3-0 demolition by Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday. The emotional and physical demands of the Derby appeared to take their toll once again, as Amakhosi struggled to respond.

After that heavy defeat, co-coach Cedric Kaze apologised, admitting the team were “not at their laces.” Following this latest setback, the pressure continues to mount.

It would now require a dramatic collapse from joint log leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns for Chiefs to mount a serious title challenge.

There was a debut for Chiefs, with Nkanyiso Shinga making his first start at left-back. However, they suffered a late setback during the warm-up when Inacio Miguel was ruled out through injury and replaced by Bradley Cross, who partnered Aden McCarthy in central defence. Dillan Solomons slotted in at right-back.

With 9,678 fans in attendance in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the match began at a frantic pace, with Richards Bay pinning Chiefs inside their own half.

The hosts nearly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Bvuma parried the ball back into play, but Lundi Mahala fired wide from close range when he should have done better.

Chiefs had their chances too. Two minutes before half-time, McCarthy met a pinpoint free-kick from Gaston Sirino at the back post but directed his effort wide. On the stroke of the interval, Ethan Chislett — whose father Donovan once played for Manning Rangers in Durban — also headed wide from another Sirino delivery.

While the first half produced opportunities at both ends, the second half lacked the same intensity, with clear-cut chances few and far between.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute. Cross misjudged a clearance, allowing the ball to fall to Sanele Barns, who teed up Thulani Gumede. Gumede cut inside and, with Bvuma off his line, fired into the near post and into the net to hand Richards Bay the lead.

It was the first goal Chiefs had conceded away from home in the league this season — and it proved decisive.

Chiefs pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were nearly punished again. Mutizwa was denied by Bvuma when attempting to round the goalkeeper, who then produced another close-range save and later tipped a shot over the bar.

In stoppage time, Wandile Ngema struck the crossbar as Richards Bay threatened to add a second, before Bvuma made yet another vital save.

Ultimately, however, one goal was enough as Richards Bay deepened Chiefs’ misery and secured three valuable points.