Richards Bay twice lead Kaizer Chiefs before settling for 2-2 draw

Richards Bay FC coach Ronnie Gabriel praised his side’s resolve after they twice took the lead against Kaizer Chiefs before being held to a 2-2 draw in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening.

The Natal Rich Boys produced an energetic performance against the Glamour Boys and went ahead in the opening stages through Nqaba Xulu. The striker pressed Brandon Petersen, managing to charge down the goalkeeper and divert the ball into the net for his second goal of the season.

The match remained open and fast-paced, but Kaizer Chiefs quickly found a response. Before the 20-minute mark, the visitors were awarded a penalty, which experienced midfielder Lebohang Maboe converted to bring the score level.

Richards Bay did not allow the setback to disrupt their momentum. They regained the advantage seven minutes before half-time, with Xulu completing his brace and putting the hosts back in front.

Kaizer Chiefs continued to apply pressure as the match progressed, searching for another equaliser. Richards Bay had an opportunity to extend their lead when Thulani Gumede found himself in a one-on-one position, but he failed to take the chance.

That miss proved costly. Kaizer Chiefs eventually restored parity in the 77th minute when Siphesihle Ndlovu found the net, ensuring the points were shared after an entertaining contest.

Speaking to the media after the match, Gabriel acknowledged the importance of Gumede’s missed opportunity, which would have put Richards Bay 3-1 ahead. However, the coach focused primarily on the determination his players showed while defending against sustained pressure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Gabriel also singled out Xulu for praise after the forward’s two-goal contribution. The striker’s early opportunism and composed finish before half-time gave Richards Bay a realistic chance of securing a notable victory.

The draw means Richards Bay were unable to hold on for all three points despite leading on two occasions. Gabriel nevertheless said he was proud of the way his players competed with Kaizer Chiefs and resisted the pressure placed on them during the second half.

The coach also discussed the club’s targets for the season before turning his attention to Richards Bay’s next league fixture. Their upcoming challenge will be against AmaZulu next week, as the Natal Rich Boys look to build on a performance in which they showed they could match one of the division’s most prominent sides.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the late equaliser secured a point after they had twice fallen behind. Richards Bay, meanwhile, will take encouragement from Xulu’s brace and the overall resilience that allowed them to remain in contention throughout a fiercely contested Betway Premiership encounter.