24-05-2025
Richards Bay deepen SuperSport United crisis in boost to PSL top-eight hopes
Yanela Mbuthuma Yanela Mbuthuma (centre) is swamped by his Richards Bay teammates after scoring against SuperSport United. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Richards Bay FC piled more misery onto Supersport United's already troubled season with a clinical 2-0 victory at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday – a result that keeps their hopes of a top-eight finish alive with a few matches still to settle.
The win saw the KwaZulu-Natal outfit climb into eighth place, bolstered by a favourable goal difference that could see them retain that position if results go their way.
In contrast, Matsatsantsa a Pitori slumped to 15th place on the Premiership table, one point behind Cape Town City, with the threat of relegation now looming large over them.
For Richards Bay, the turnaround is significant.
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After narrowly avoiding relegation through the PSL promotion play-offs last season, they not only secured their top-flight status early, but also positioned themselves for a potential top-eight finish – leapfrogging Kaizer Chiefs, who have dropped to ninth on 32 points after their goalless draw against Polokwane City.
Matsatsantsa, meanwhile, were desperate for points to avoid slipping further into the relegation zone.
Although they didn't dominate possession, the visitors were far more purposeful with the ball.
Their intent was clear as early as the 23rd minute when Wandile Ngema set up Yanela Mbuthuma, whose thunderous header flew just wide – a statement of attacking intent from the visitors.
Just over 10 minutes later, the duo linked up once more to give the visitors the lead.
This time, Ngema delivered another perfectly placed cross, finding Mbuthuma squarely in the middle of the box, and the forward made no mistake as he headed home to put his side 1-0 up in the 33rd minute.
Both sides had decent spells of possession but struggled to find a decisive edge in the final third – a reflection of their recent struggles, with both teams coming into the clash having won just once in their last five outings.
Matsatsantsa closed the first half stronger, but again failed to convert pressure into goals.
The second half followed a similar pattern – with Andre Arendse's charges pressing with determination, but failing to find the finishing touch.
Instead, it was the KZN outfit who showed greater precision and composure in key moments.
Around the hour mark, Mbuthuma turned provider, slipping a deft ball through to Thulani Gumede, who slotted home to double the lead and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
As the minutes ticked down, SuperSport grew increasingly frantic.
Bereft of ideas, their attacking play became increasingly dependent on hopeful long balls – a clear signal of a team running out of confidence and solutions.
