Richards Bay clip Swallows’ wings in rain

Three points sparks PSL campaign revival hopes

ONE Swallows win doesn’t make a summer, but it could go a long way to preserving Richards Bay FC’s DStv Premiership status.

The Rich Boyz’s camp, not to mention the fans, were rejoicing when Khuda Myaba rolled the ball into the net from close range after being fed from the head of Nkosikhona Ndaba for the only goal of the game in the 80th minute against Moroka Swallows on Saturday.

This after the NRB side had started turning on the heat at the King Zwelithini Stadium with a dominant 20-minute spell in the second half that saw them create a number of good chances.

Soggy conditions dictated the quality of the game, with many stray passes, slips and slides as the rain fell and the going grew increasingly heavy on the legs.

The first half was shared in terms of possession, with most of the action in the middle third of the park.

A point blank save from a shot by a suspiciously offside-looking Lindokuhle Mtshali in the 18th minute saw NRB keeper Salim Magoola keep the game scoreless.

Ten minutes later there was a major disruption in the Rich Boyz’s ranks when striker Somila Ntsundwana was stretchered off to be substituted by Muyaba, but with Justice Figuareido and Sanele Barns looking on form there was no panic in the ranks, and plenty of expectation.

Goalless at half time, coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi brought on fresh legs in the form of Moses Mthembu and Thulani Gumede, for Figuareido and Ntsako Makhubela.

Boikanyo Komane would later replace Dube, while Langelihle Mhlongu – who had a terrific game in midfield, was subbed for Tercious Malepe.

The changes all paid dividends as NRB continued to exercise control, with the goal being just reward for the commitment and effort they showed.

Particularly satisfying was the cohesion and organisation of the defensive unit, who handled all Swallows could muster and were quick to set to up counter attacks.

The three points plus the added confidence the win will give is all the momentum they need as they seek to reel in the teams above them on the PSL log.

Richards Bay will enjoy a break this weekend, with their next game being a home fixture against offform Kaizer Chiefs on

20 April.

Khuda Muyaba celebrates the goal that gave the Rich Boyz three priceless points Smindlo on Digital

Showing loads of energy, Langelihle Mhlongo had a terrific game in the middle of the park and was rightly named man of the match

NRB goal scorer Khuda Muyaba and Swallows’ Ntsikelelo Nyauza battle for possession in the pouring rain

Justice Figareido stretches out a foot to rob Thabang Maponya of the ball