Richards Bay and Arrows share spoils in 2-2 KZN Derby thriller

Richards Bay and Golden Arrows settled for a point apiece following an entertaining 2-2 draw in their Betway Premiership clash at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday night.

Despite the high-octane nature of the KZN Derby and a significant turnout from the local faithful, neither side could find a late winner in a result that leaves both teams searching for consistency in the mid-table scramble.

In a match that swung back and forth, Lundi Mahala proved to be the hero for the home side, netting a second-half equaliser to ensure the points were shared in front of a vocal Zululand crowd. The result leaves the Natal Rich Boyz in ninth place with 19 points, while Abafana Bes’thende sit just two points behind them in tenth.

Early Drama and Arrows’ Response

The hosts couldn’t have asked for a better start. In the 8th minute, Lundi Mahala was hauled down in the box by Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso, leaving referee Abongile Tom with no choice but to point to the spot. Moses Mthembu stepped up and clinically dispatched the penalty into the top left corner to give the Bay an early lead.

However, Golden Arrows refused to be rattled. They gradually asserted dominance and found their equaliser in the 27th minute when Lungelo Nguse tapped home from close range following excellent work from the lively Siyanda Mthanti.

Mthanti Stuns Richards Bay

Arrows started the second half with intent and took the lead just five minutes after the restart. Philani Kumalo turned provider, setting up Siyanda Mthanti, who found the bottom corner with a precise right-footed strike to silence the home faithful.

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel reacted by introducing the returning fan-favourite Sanele Barns in the 55th minute. The substitution provided an immediate spark, as the home side began to pin Arrows back into their own half.

The persistence paid off in the 65th minute. Moses Mthembu turned creator, whipping in a cross that found Lundi Mahala, who rose highest to plant a header into the top right corner, making it 2-2.

The final 15 minutes were a frantic affair. Arrows looked the more likely to steal a late winner, with Ian Otieno forced into several crucial saves to deny Jerome Karlese and Sede Dion in the dying embers of the game. Tlakusani Mthethwa saw yellow for a cynical foul as the Bay held on to secure a hard-earned point.