Faiz Abrahams says rain and wind contributed to Kaizer Chiefs draw

Kaizer Chiefs winger Faiz Abrahams believes difficult weather conditions and costly mistakes prevented Amakhosi from beating Richards Bay FC in their 2-2 draw at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday.

The Soweto club twice fell behind against the Natal Rich Boyz before recovering to claim a point in KwaMashu. The result left Kaizer Chiefs third in the Betway Premiership standings on eight points from four matches, with the club missing the opportunity to move level with the league leaders.

Richards Bay took the lead after only eight minutes following an error from Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen. Nqaba Xulu capitalised on the mistake, intercepting the ball before deflecting it into the net.

Kaizer Chiefs restored parity in the 19th minute when midfielder Lebohang Maboe converted a penalty. However, their defensive problems returned before half-time, with Xulu heading home from a corner that the visitors could have defended more effectively.

The Glamour Boys eventually rescued the match in the 77th minute. Siphesihle Ndlovu scored with a well-struck effort to ensure Kaizer Chiefs left with a share of the points.

Among the changes made by Da Cruz as he looked for a response was the introduction of new signing Abrahams. Making his debut, the winger provided pace, energy and flair on the right side, causing Richards Bay problems during the second half.

Speaking to the club’s media after the game, Abrahams said the conditions in Durban had made the match particularly challenging.

“We played well enough to win the game, but we had a couple of misfortunes which we will definitely work on cutting out going forward,” the speedy winger told the club’s media.

“The conditions made things a bit difficult.”

He also pointed to the wind and the impact it had on the players’ ability to control the ball.

“It was windy as well, which made controlling the slippery ball difficult, but overall, I think the guys coped well in the circumstances.”

Despite the late equaliser, the draw represented a missed chance for Kaizer Chiefs to strengthen their position near the top of the table. Amakhosi have collected eight points from their opening four matches and remain third in the Betway Premiership.

Their next opportunity to climb the standings will come at home against Siwelele FC. The fixture is scheduled for a 17:30 kick-off on Sunday, 6 September 2026, at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Kaizer Chiefs will hope the return to familiar surroundings helps them cut out the errors that allowed Richards Bay to score twice, while Abrahams’ promising debut offers another attacking option for Da Cruz.