Richards Bay FC maintained their unbeaten start to the DStv Premiership season after playing to a goalless draw against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday afternoon.
Result: Richards Bay 0-0 Marumo Gallants
Date: 09 August 2022
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
The Natal Rich Boyz made only one change to the team that beat Golden Arrows, as Lesotho striker Katleho Makateng got his debut while new signing Luvuyo Memela started from the bench. Meanwhile, Gallants brought in Thato Khiba and Sicelokuhle Hlantshwayo from their draw against Stellenbosch.
The sides were cagey in the opening exchanges but the game came to life midway through the first stanza after Moses Mthembu came close to breaking the deadlock for Bay with a low cracking strike from the edge of the box that was parried away by goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Romain Folz's charges were the most adventurous going forward and Sibusiso Kumalo had a chance to give the visitors the lead just before the half-hour mark after he latched onto a rebound from a corner but he guided his free header just wide at the near post.
Richards Bay looked dangerous on counter-attacks but Mpho Mathebula almost broke the deadlock just before the half-time break with well curled free-kick from the edge of the box but Arubi thwarted his effort with a reflex save.
Folz brought on Celimpilo Ngema in place of Monde Mphambaniso for fresh legs upfront at half-time and the visitors had a different dimension in attack but lacked the final product.
Gallants continued to put the Natal Rich Boyz under pressure and in reaction, Bay reinforced their defence on 66 minutes, as Siyanda Msani replaced Makateng while Orlando Pirates loanee Nkanyiso Zungu got his debut in the last 15 minutes as he replaced Mathebula for fresh legs in midfield.
Richards Bay had more energy going forward in the dying minutes after a number of late substitutions but they could not break down Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's defence and the game ended all square as a result.
The Natal Rich Boyz moved to the top of the log with four points while Gallants collected their second point of the campaign.
Richards Bay: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Mathebula, Barns, Mabaso, Makateng, Mthembu, Ntsundwana
Subs: Jacobs, Dlamini, Ncanana, Zungu, Mhlongo, Mdabuka, Memela, Msani, Mbuthuma
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Hlatshwayo, Gumede, Mabotja, Kumalo, Rapmhela, Mphambaniso, Khiba, Otladisa, Sibeko, Dion
Subs: Ngcobo, Hlatshwayo, Ravhuhali, Manaka, Nku, Mohomi, Molangoane, Ngema, Koapeng
