Richards Bay stuns AmaZulu in KZN Derby

Richards Bay FC delivered a stunning performance to secure a decisive 2-0 victory over provincial rivals AmaZulu FC in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby, effectively derailing AmaZulu’s immediate ambitions of climbing into the Betway Premiership’s top three positions.

Goals from Moses Mthembu and Wandile Ngema secured the vital home win for the Natal Rich Boyz.

Early Intensity and Richards Bay FC’s Advantage

The fixture was characterised by the high intensity typical of a derby, with both sides trading early blows. Richards Bay, however, quickly found the breakthrough in the 16th minute. Following a set-piece situation, the ball found Moses Mthembu in a prime position, who finished clinically from close range to beat Darren Johnson in the AmaZulu goal and open the scoring (1-0).

AmaZulu struggled to settle, compounding their difficulties when Richards Bay’s influential striker, Gabadinho Mhango, was forced off due to injury in the 27th minute, replaced by Lundi Mahala. Despite the interruption, the home side’s defensive organisation held firm, keeping Usuthu’s attacking efforts largely to long-range attempts or off-target strikes, such as Athini Maqokola’s missed opportunity just after the 20-minute mark.

AmaZulu’s Struggle for Penetration

The second half saw AmaZulu return with a clear intent to equalise, dominating possession and earning multiple corners. However, the anticipated clinical edge failed to materialise. AmaZulu coach made changes just past the hour mark, introducing Tebogo Masuku (60′) and later Thabiso Kutumela (68′) in an attempt to inject pace and creativity into the final third.

Richards Bay goalkeeper, Ian Otieno, was called into action, notably saving a close-range effort from Thando Ngwenya in the 51st minute and later denying AmaZulu’s efforts from wide areas. Despite the pressure, Richards Bay’s defence remained disciplined, frustrating the visiting side’s build-up play and forcing them into repeated fouls, which saw three AmaZulu players, including defenders Taariq Fielies and Sandile Mthethwa, receive yellow cards.

Ngema Secures the Points

As the clock wound down, AmaZulu’s desperation grew, leaving gaps at the back. Richards Bay capitalised decisively in the 84th minute. After a period of concentrated midfield action and an attempted block on a Richards Bay shot, the ball fell to Wandile Ngema (Jersey #33) in the centre of the box. Ngema clinically dispatched a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the 2-0 victory for the home side.

The late goal drained the remaining fight from AmaZulu, who were unable to replicate the solid defensive and attacking form that had propelled them into fifth place coming into the derby. The result is a significant setback for Usuthu’s league aspirations, while Richards Bay celebrates a hard-fought and tactically superior performance in a crucial local derby.