Richards Bay take half-time lead over Kaizer Chiefs after Nqaba Xulu double

Richards Bay lead Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at half-time in their Betway Premiership match at Princes Magogo Stadium on Wednesday, with Nqaba Xulu scoring twice for the home side.

The Natal Rich Boys made the perfect start when Xulu pressed Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, charging down his attempted clearance and sending the deflection into the net. The goal was Xulu’s second of the season and left Petersen badly exposed.

Kaizer Chiefs responded positively despite the early setback. Their attacking trio of Luke Baartman, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi put the Richards Bay defence under sustained pressure, and the visitors were awarded a penalty before the 20-minute mark.

Veteran midfielder Lebohang Maboe took responsibility from the spot and converted to bring Fernando da Cruz’s side level.

The visitors could not build on their momentum, however, and Richards Bay regained the advantage seven minutes before the interval. Xulu completed his brace by rising above his marker to meet a corner and head the ball home.

Da Cruz again selected a starting XI without a recognised striker. Shabalala and Vilakazi returned to the line-up after they began on the bench for Kaizer Chiefs’ draw with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match is being played on 25 August 2026 at Princes Magogo Stadium.

Richards Bay started with Otieno in goal, behind a defence of Mcineka, Ndelu, Sikhakhane and Mabuya. Mntungwa, Nashixwa and Mthembu formed the midfield, with Khumalo and Gumede supporting Xulu in attack.

Their substitutes were Mtshali, Simelane, Shezi, Zikhali, Mbambo, Nzama, Ndelu, Barns and Mahala.

Kaizer Chiefs named Petersen as goalkeeper, with Monyane, Miguel, Kwinika and Moloisane in defence. Maboe and Ndlovu operated in midfield, while Shabalala, Mmodi, Vilakazi and Baartman made up the attacking options.

Kaizer Chiefs’ substitutes were Leaner, Solomons, Frosler, Mthethwa, Mtasingwa, Duba, Ighodaro, Velebayi and Abrahams.

Richards Bay will take a one-goal advantage into the second half after Xulu’s finishing proved decisive. Chiefs had threatened regularly following Maboe’s equaliser, but the visitors now need another response if they are to avoid leaving KwaZulu-Natal without points.