SuperSport United climbed up to seventh on the Betway Premiership table after edging Richards Bay 1-0 on Friday evening.
Betway Premiership
Result: Richards Bay 0-1 SuperSport United
Date: 06 December 2024
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium
SuperSport made five changes to the side that lost against Marumo Gallants, as Terrence Dzvukamanja, Tashreeq Morris, Gape Moralo, Pogiso Sanoka and Aphiwe Baliti were brought in.
Richards Bay, meanwhile, also made wholesale changes, as only Yamela Mbuthuma, Keegan Allan and Simphiwe Mcineka remained from the defeat against AmaZulu.
The Natal Rich Boyz were quick off the blocks in the early stages, as they forced Matsatsantsa to defend deep.
The hosts had a big chance to break the deadlock ten minutes before the break after they were awarded a penalty following a foul by Sanoka on Mbuthuma.
However, Nkosikhona Ndaba was casual with his spot-kick that was saved by goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Gavin Hunt's charges came out of their defensive shell towards the break but they could not create clear chances and the sides went to the interval without goals.
The visitors were more on the front foot from the break as Dzvukamanja came close to breaking the deadlock with a rocket that sailed slightly over the crossbar.
With the game on the edge after the hour-mark, Matsatsantsa made a tactical and attacking change, as Gamphani Lungu replaced Ime Okon.
SuperSport were looking to pressurize Richards Bay with 15 minutes remaining as Bradley Grobler came on for Vincent Pule.
United eventually broke the deadlock in the last minute after Grobler finished off a rebound in the box.
The win took Matsatsantsa above Kaizer Chiefs in seventh spot while The Natal Rich Boyz remained bottom of the of the log after a fifth consecutive loss.
Here's how they line up:
Richards Bay: 16. Magoola, 18. Dube, 3. Ndaba, 5. Allan, 25. Mcineka, 6. Mthethwa, 17. Gumede, 21. Mhlongo, 9. Mbuthuma, 36. Zikhali, 35. Ndelu
Subs: 1. Otieno, 2. Gcaba, 27. Ntlonelo, 38. Dlamini, 22. Mabuya, 20. Mthembu, 11. Kutumela, 26. Radebe, 77. Conco
SuperSport United: 1. Mbanjwa, 4. Mobbie, 42. Baloyi, 13. Okon, 29. Baliti, 15. Pule, 8. Ndlovu, 11. Dzvukamanja, 4. Sanoka, 38. Moralo, 14. Morris
Subs: 20. Goss, 17. Lungu, 18. Poggenpoel, 5. Mbangossoum, 25. Ayer, 24. Lakay, 46. Magidigidi, 7. Grobler
