Sibongiseni Mthethwa of Kaizer Chiefs launches himself into action to control possession and deny Richards Bay's Lindokuhle Zikhali during their Betway Premiership clash at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Image: Backpageoix
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 2-0 loss to relegation strugglers Richards Bay FC at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Amakhosi, now in eighth place, recorded their third loss in the last five games, with their hopes of finishing in the top three taking a huge blow. The Natal Rich Boyz boosted their chances of survival, moving three points away from the relegation zone into 11th place.
Having weathered a storm in the first half, the hosts broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half through defender Fezile Gcaba. The former Orlando Pirates defender leapt highest in a crowded box to guide home a Justice Figueiredo free-kick, silencing the sea of Chiefs supporters in yellow.
The home side weren't done yet, and in the 73rd minute, they dealt a heavy blow to Chiefs as Yanela Mbuthuma doubled their lead. Richards Bay were untouchable on the counter-attack and reaped the rewards when the striker pounced on a rebounded shot off the upright.
Looking to put their previous result against Cape Town City behind them, Chiefs began like a house on fire in Umlazi and created favorable chances in the first 25 minutes. The best of those came in the 21st minute when Dillon Solomons and Glody Lilepo combined on the right flank to set up Ashley du Preez with a cross, but the striker’s close-range header was well handled by Salim Magoola.
The opening half was all about the visitors, with Bruce Bvuma in the Chiefs' goal not called into action for even a single save in 45 minutes.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi would have been very frustrated to see his side go into the break goalless, having dominated the game in all departments except the scoreboard. The Amakhosi made all their changes in the second half but, in the end, could not avoid defeat.
Club action will take a brief break as the international break takes center stage. Chiefs will return to action at the end of the month, facing Golden Arrows in Durban, while Richards Bay will travel to Polokwane City.
Richards Bay (0) 2 (Gcaba 48, Mbuthuma 73) | Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0