Richards Bay FC have been crowned 2025 KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Cup champions after defeating Durban City 1-0 in the final on Sunday evening.
Former Cape Town City duo Thabo Nodada and Haashim Domingo started in the midfield alongside new signing Brooklyn Poggenpoel for the newly-promoted outfit, who also included Craig Martin in their side.
The Natal Rich Boyz enjoyed a lot of the ball in the early stages in the encounter, although both sides looked to struggle with the condition of the pitch in the middle of the park.
The weather conditions got worse as the first half progressed, which affected the way the game went as Gavin Hunt's men failed to register a single effort on target throughout the opening 45 minutes.
The game's first real opening arrived shortly after the break when Richards Bay's Wandile Ngema was slipped through on goal, but City goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali was equal to the effort with a good save.
While City struggled to carve out chances, Richards Bay passed up another opening in the 69th minute as Mbulelo Nombengula raced clear down the left side, before cutting inside and firing wide with only Mtshali to beat.
Hunt responded with a triple change for City with 20 minutes left on the clock as Trevor Mokwena, Saziso Magawana and Falakhe Tshanini came on for Odwa Nyulu, Sibusiso Sibeko and Haashim Domingo to liven up the attack.
However, Richards Bay were afforded the chance to bag a late winner after being awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. Captain Tshepo Mabua stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal the win.
The Natal Rich Boyz have now been crowned KZN Premier's Cup champions for 2025.
