Richards Bay safe from PSL relegation after Golden Arrows draw

Richards Bay ensured another season in the top-flight with a goalless draw in the KwaZulu-Natal derby against Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Saturday.

The Natal Rich Boyz reached the 30-point mark and remained in 11th place on the Premiership standings, but saved their status with one more game of the season to go. 

Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, took a huge knock towards their bid to ensure safety, with results in other matches going against them.

Cape Town City’s 2-0 win over Polokwane City mean the Western Cape side moved to within a point of Arrows, who occupy 13th spot on the log.

Richards Bay finally brought the curtain down on their home fixtures as they entertained the visit of fellow KZN outfit Arrows. 

Coach Ronnie Gabriel’s men required just a point to ensure their safety in the top-flight, and having had a good home record to protect, they were expected to put up a fight. 

The visitors were under pressure to break their winless record across all competitions, which had left them in the conversation for relegation. 

Desperate for goals, Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi threw on Blessing Mchunu upfront, and he was partnered by the lively Siyanda Mthanti and Nduduzo Sibiya. 

That combination almost reaped dividends as Arrows created the first chance of the game inside five minutes.

The home side defence did well to reorganise themselves in time to block a Sibiya shot from outside the box following a good run and low cross from Mthanti on the right wing. 

The opening stanza did not produce much in goalmouth action, although both teams tried to keep the tempo of the match as high as they could. 

Both teams were evenly matched, with every stride, run and tackle and desperately needing a moment of brilliance to spark the game into life. 

It was no surprise that both benches introduced a pair of substitutions at the break wanting to tilt the game into their favour. 

Richards Bay threw on usual starters Yanela Mbuthuma and Moses Mthembu in place of winger Mfundo Thikazi and Ntlonelo Bomelo. 

Manqoba Mngqithi, on the opposing bench, withdrew captain Sibiya, as well as Mchunu, with Sabelo Sithole and Thokozani Lukhele taking their spots.

The more the game wore on, the more Arrows looked more desperate to claim all three points, with their top-flight status on the line.