Kaizer Chiefs held by Richards Bay after costly defensive errors

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz said his side should have had 12 points rather than eight after defensive mistakes contributed to a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

Amakhosi twice recovered from errors to earn a point, with Lebohang Maboe scoring from the penalty spot and Siphesihle Ndlovu also finding the net. But Richards Bay striker Nqaba Xulu scored both of the hosts’ goals, each coming after a lapse in the Chiefs defence.

The opening goal arrived early in the first half when Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen failed to clear the ball. Xulu pressured Petersen and blocked his attempted clearance, sending it towards goal and giving Richards Bay the lead.

Xulu completed his brace six minutes before half-time after Chiefs failed to deal with a corner. Da Cruz said both goals could have been avoided and was frustrated that his team’s attacking performance had not been rewarded with victory.

“Very disappointing because our team attacked during the 90 minutes and the other team [Bay] defended the whole 90 minutes. We made two big mistakes and today it’s one point, but normally it should be three,” Da Cruz said.

The draw means Chiefs have eight points, although Da Cruz believes errors also cost them in their previous league meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Today we have eight points but normally we should have 12 points because against Mamelodi Sundowns we also made mistakes. Today we need to learn from our mistakes and continue to work hard.”

Petersen’s performance was another concern for Chiefs. The goalkeeper’s mistake against Richards Bay was his third costly error in as many matches.

He also made a blunder during Chiefs’ 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals at FNB Stadium earlier this month. Two weeks ago, he was involved in another mistake during the 1-1 league draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at the same home venue.

Despite his disappointment, Da Cruz praised the overall display from his team on a rainy night in KwaMashu. Chiefs created the impression of a side willing to attack, while Richards Bay spent much of the match defending, but the coach warned that such mistakes could not continue in the top flight.

“It’s very disappointing but we are also happy with the performance because the team played well, but we cannot make these types of mistakes at this level,” the Chiefs coach said.