Rich Boyz put on the spot

TWO penalties in ten second half minutes consigned Richards Bay FC to another totally undeserved loss as they went down 2-1 to Royal AM in their DStv Premiership derby at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night.

All indications in the first half pointed to a comfortable ride for Richards Bay.

They set up a host of chances, breaking into the RAM 18-yard area time after time, but with few clear shots to test the keeper.

Playmaker Sanele Barns set up chance after chance but a combination of wasted crosses, poor decision-making and missed opportunities left the score sheet blank at the break.

Shortly before the whistle ended the first 45 minutes, both Khuda Myaba and Thulani Gumede should have scored but showed a lack of composure at close range.

Coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi would have had much to say in the change room about movements breaking down at crucial stages, and with a number of players failing to impress, early substitutions were expected.

The overdue changes did come, and they made a world of difference.

Myaba, Gumede and Moses Mthembu had played below par in the first half, and the injection of Somila Ntsundwana and Yanela Mbuthuma made instant impact.

Having conceded penalties via Lwandile Mabuya (51st minute) and captain Simphiwe Mcineka (58th minute), the frustrated NRB boys found themselves down 2-0 despite having bossed the game.

With 20 minutes to go it was all out attack from the Rich Boyz.

Ntsundwana's superb cut in and cross from the left was brilliantly redirected inside the near post by

Mbuthuma to make it 1-2 and from then on Royal AM engaged in desperation clearances and feigned injuries to wind down the clock, with keeper Nyame going down at least four times and then recovering miraculously.

It still seemed that an equaliser and even a winner would come, such was the pressure put by NRB on the opposition goals.

Myaba shot too early and straight at the keeper when oneon-one, while a dozen corners from Sanele Barns floated harmlessly into the arms of

Nyame.

In the end, two clumsy penalties and plenty more clumsy attempts at finishing put paid to what should have been an easy three points.

But it just would not happen and as this trend of failing to convert chances continues,

Richards Bay are looking more and more like relegation material.

They have another chance to redeem themselves when they take on Chippa United away on Wednesday, where a win is vital for PSL survival.

Menzi Masuku keeps a close eye on Lwandile Mabuya, who gave away an unfortunate penalty but otherwise had a steady game at the back

Khuda Myaka, who still fails to find the form that made him a feared striker in the past, fluffed a couple of chances. Here he is closely watched by RAM’s Levy Mashiane

Somila Ntsundwana made an instant impact when he came on in the second half Smindlo on Digital

With not much support around him, Justice Figuareido battled to make an impact up front*