Kaizer Chiefs claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win against Richards Bay FC in a DStv Premiership clash at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday. Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half, Amakhosi delivered a resilient performance to secure the three points.
Wandile Duba opened his league account for the season in the 20th minute, converting a sublime volley from Yusuf Maart’s pinpoint cross.
Ashley Du Preez doubled the advantage in the 68th minute, also assisted by Maart, before Richards Bay’s Yanele Mbuthuma scored a late consolation goal deep into injury time.
The first half was dominated by Chiefs, who dictated the tempo and created the better chances.
Richards Bay’s defensive setup sought to frustrate the hosts, but the pace and movement of Duba and Du Preez repeatedly breached their lines.
Duba’s goal was a moment of quality, as he expertly guided Maart’s curling delivery into the far corner.
Chiefs could have extended their lead, with Given Msimango and Bradley Cross spurning opportunities.
Richards Bay, limited to just one clear chance, saw Somila Ntsundwana shoot wide.
Heading into the break with a 1-0 lead, Chiefs appeared in control. However, the momentum shifted early in the second half when Reeve Frosler was shown a second yellow card for a high boot on Nkosikhona Ndaba in the 48th minute, leaving the home side to play over 40 minutes with 10 men.
Undeterred by the setback, Chiefs displayed remarkable determination.
Their efforts were rewarded when Maart delivered another decisive pass, this time a low cross that Du Preez calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Richards Bay pushed to capitalize on their numerical advantage and found the net in injury time, with Mbuthuma rising to head home a consolation goal.
However, it was too little, too late, as Chiefs held firm to secure their second league win of the season.
The victory lifts Kaizer Chiefs to sixth place in the DStv Premiership standings with 10 points from six games.
They will look to build on this momentum when they face Royal AM at the same venue on Saturday, November 30, at 17:45.
