Kaizer Chiefs and Richards Bay FC entered the halftime break with the score level at 0-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: Richards Bay 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 16 January 2025
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
The Soweto giants were boosted by the return of Sibongiseni Mthethwa in midfield, replacing Nkosingiphile Ngcobo while Pule Mmodi came in for Gaston Sirino as Chiefs' other change following Wednesday's draw against Cape Town City.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi was not happy with his side's failure to score against the Citizens and called for players to take responsibility if they want to start winning matches.
Chiefs had to wait until the 20-minute mark to carve out a serious chance but Ashley du Preez was unable to convert after seeing his header saved by goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
While Richards Bay struggled to carve out openings, Magoola was keeping his side in the contest at the other end as he produced two good saves in quick succession to deny Mmodi, who was having a bit of joy down the left flank.
Richards Bay made the perfect start to the second half when defender Fezile Gcaba opened the scoring by heading past Bruce Bvuma for his second goal league goal of the campaign.
Nabi responded with a double change just before the hour mark, as Mmodi and Mthethwa made way for Sirino and the returning Edson Castillo, who made his first appearance since October last year.
However, the Natal Rich Boyz went on to double their lead in the 72nd minute as Yanela Mbuthuma got his fourth league goal of the campaign, although replays suggest there was a hint of offside.
Chiefs were unable to find a way back into the contest and slumped to their ninth league defeat of the season, while Richards Bay moved up to 11th spot.
Here's how they line up:
Richards Bay: 16. Magoola, 2. Gcaba, 25. Mcineka, 72. Mabua, 3. Ndaba, 36. Zikhali, 20. Mthembu, 21. Mhlongo, 23. Figareido, 45. Ntsundawana, 9. Mbuthuma.
Subs: 1. Otieno, 27. Bomelo, 33. Ngema, 11. Kutumela, 7. Mohlamme, 29. Machupu, 44. Zulu, 17. Gumede, 47. Mntungwa.
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 18. Solomons, 84. Miguel, 25. Msimango, 2. Dove, 21. Cele, 5. Mthethwa, 42. Shabalala, 13. Mmodi, 99. Lilepo, 9. Du Preez
Subs: 30. Ntwari, 4. Kwinika, 48. Cross, 5. Castillo, 8. Maart, 12. Ngcobo, 10. Sirino, 37. Duba, 38. Vilakazi
