Richards Bay and Durban City share points in tense KZN clash

Richards Bay and Durban City cancelled each other out in a tense, goalless 0-0 draw on Sunday at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex, producing a tactical battle high on control but low on clear chances.

Both sides walked away with a point that meant different things. Durban City remained inside the top eight, continuing their encouraging debut season in the Betway Premiership. Richards Bay, meanwhile, moved five points clear of the relegation zone, taking another step towards stabilising their campaign.

City entered the north of KwaZulu-Natal carrying a quiet sense of revenge after being eliminated by Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout a few weeks ago. Their intentions were clear from the opening whistle, though their plans needed reshaping before kick-off.

Suspension forced coach Gavin Hunt into a defensive adjustment as Fezile Gcaba’s absence opened the door for young debutant Odwa Nyulu. He was thrown straight into the demanding task of tracking the experience and movement of Knox Mutizwa, who drifted off the left channel with purpose.

Richards Bay also had their own challenges. Missing captain Simphiwe Mcineka, the spine of their defence lacked its usual leadership, forcing the hosts into a more cautious and conservative structure.

With both clubs hovering near the top eight picture, the match carried more weight than its early rhythm suggested. That pressure shaped a cagey start, with neither team keen to take unnecessary risks.

Transitions were controlled. Midfield battles were tight. Territory became the central focus as both teams worked hard to secure shape rather than roll the dice going forward.

Chances were limited, and the half unfolded in a controlled, chess-like flow. The biggest opportunity arrived deep into stoppage time when a defensive lapse allowed Mutizwa a clear path to goal. But the former Golden Arrows striker took a surprisingly heavy touch, and Darren Keet reacted brilliantly by racing off his line to smother the danger.

The sides went into the break level, with the contest still sitting on a knife’s edge.

City attempted to change the tone of the second half by introducing last season’s top scorer Joslin Kamatuka, but the Namibian forward struggled to settle into the rhythm of the match and rarely found the pockets he thrives in.

Richards Bay responded with a bold triple substitution in the 77th minute, sending on Gabadinho Mhango, Mfundo Thikazi and Lundi Mahala. The injection of pace and aggression immediately energised the home side.

Mhango and Mahala combined brilliantly inside the box moments later, exchanging a slick one-two that opened a shooting lane. But Mhango snatched at the bouncing ball and fired over, much to the disbelief of the home supporters.

That would be the closest either team came to breaking the deadlock.

It was a stalemate defined by structure, control and discipline — but one that left both sides wondering what might have been.