Richards Bay Humble AmaZulu In KZN Derby

Image via @RichardsBayFC_

AmaZulu FC missed the chance to move up to third spot on the Betway Premiership table after a 2-0 loss to Richards Bay FC on Friday night.

Betway Premiership

Result: Richards Bay 2-0 AmaZulu FC

Date: 28 November 2025

Venue: Richards Bay Stadium

Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane made just one change from the win over Siwelele last weekend, as Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya replaced Elmo Kambindu upfront.

The hosts made their good start count after 15 minutes when Mthembu bundled the ball home from close range after goalkeeper Darren Johnson could only parry Gabadinho Mhango’s free-kick back into the box.

The visitors nearly pulled themselves level in the 22nd minute when defender Taariq Fielies surged forward before picking out Athini Maqokolo, who was unable to steer his effort on target from close-range.

The Natal Rich Boyz were dealt a blow midway through the first period when the influential Mhango was forced with an injury and replaced Lundi Mahala.

Usuthu, meanwhile, found it tough to carve out serious chances in the latter stages of the first period, with Richards Bay holding their own in the middle of the mark and at the back.

The visiting side started the second half with a lot more attacking intent and they should have levelled matters five minutes but goalkeeper Richard Otieno did well to deny Maqokolo in a one-on-one situation.

Coach Arthur Zwane responded with two AmaZulu changes for the final 20 minutes as Thabiso Kutumela and Andiswa Sithole replaced Hendrick Esktein and Nkosikhona Radebe to freshen up the attack.

However, Richards Bay ended any hope an AmaZulu comeback when they doubled the lad with six minutes left on the clock courtesy of a strike from Wandile Ngema, sealing a vital win, which takes the side up to ninth spot.

Here’s how they lined up:

Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Mntungwa, Zulu, Zuke, Mthethwa, Ngema, Mhango, Zikhali, Mutizwa.

Subs: Magoola, Vilakazi, Nomvete, Mangolo, Nzimande, Thikazi, Nombengula, Mahala, Mbambo

AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hlangabeza, Bern, Ngcobo, Maqokolo, Ekstein

Subs: Mzimela, Dube, Mbanjwa, Zikhali, Thabede, Sithole, Mashigo, Kambindu, Kutumela

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