Ngwenya scores again as AmaZulu climb to third in Betway Premiership

AmaZulu FC moved up to third place in the Betway Premiership after beating KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay FC 2-1 on Friday, with in-form striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scoring his sixth league goal of the season.

Ngwenya broke the deadlock six minutes after half-time before Moses Mthembu equalised from the penalty spot for Richards Bay. AmaZulu quickly regained the lead, however, as Nkosikhona Radebe struck from close range to settle an entertaining contest.

Arthur Zwane’s side had been looking for a response after suffering a heavy 5-0 home defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns last week. Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boyz, also entered the fixture hoping to return to winning ways after being held to a 2-2 draw by Kaizer Chiefs.

Both teams made an energetic start and appeared determined to produce an open contest, but neither could create a clear opportunity in the opening stages. Ambitious attacking moves repeatedly broke down because of poor decision-making in the final third.

AmaZulu came closest to taking the lead before the interval when Athini Maqokolo reacted quickest to a loose ball in the six-yard area from a corner. With only Otieno to beat, Maqokolo struck the crossbar.

Much of the pre-match attention had centred on Ngwenya, who began the game as the league’s leading scorer with five goals. Richards Bay managed to keep the forward quiet during the first half, which ended without either side registering a shot on target.

Ngwenya needed only six minutes of the second half to make his mark. The AmaZulu striker rose above his markers and directed a looping header into the net to give the visitors the advantage and take his league total to six.

Richards Bay responded by increasing the pressure and made an attacking change, replacing Sanele Barns with Lundi Mahala for the final 30 minutes.

The substitute soon influenced the match. With 12 minutes remaining, Mahala won a penalty after being fouled by Gape Moralo. Mthembu took responsibility and calmly converted, bringing Richards Bay level and setting up a dramatic finish.

Their parity lasted just two minutes. Maqokolo provided the assist for Radebe, who completed the move with a close-range finish to restore AmaZulu’s lead.

Richards Bay could not find another equaliser and remain without a victory after five matches. AmaZulu, meanwhile, secured a result that lifts them above Kaizer Chiefs and into third place in the Betway Premiership standings.

AmaZulu’s next three league fixtures are against Marumo Gallants at home, followed by away matches against Polokwane City and Durban City.

Richards Bay will travel to face Milford FC before hosting Sekhukhune United. Their third fixture is a home meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.