Richards Bay co-coach Ronnie Gabriel praised his team’s resilience after their dramatic 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Playing with ten men for more than half an hour following Yanela Mbuthuma’s dismissal in the 59th minute, Richards Bay mounted a late comeback to secure their third win of the season.
Sekela Sithole had given Gallants the lead in the 51st minute, but Justice Figareido equalised in the 86th minute before Ntlomelo Bomelo netted the winner just two minutes later, finishing off a cross from Somila Ntsundwana.
The victory lifts Richards Bay to 13 points from 16 matches, closing the gap to two points behind Dan Malesela’s Gallants.
Gabriel commended his players for their determination, saying: “It was a good performance from the group; the players deserve all the credit because we could have easily lost hope.”
He added that the result would help build momentum ahead of their next fixture against Polokwane City.
The win ends a five-match winless streak for Richards Bay, who will host Polokwane City at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday at 20:00.
Despite the positive result, the team will be without Mbuthuma for the next three matches, as his red card—his second of the season—triggers a suspension.
Gabriel acknowledged past struggles but emphasised the importance of persistence.
“The attitude was good, the hard work was there; we just failed to deliver,” he said.
With renewed confidence, Richards Bay will now look to build on this hard-fought victory as they aim to climb the table.
🥅Justice Figareido + 🥅 Ntlonelo Bomelo=🎒#PhakweGas #NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/VRgFF93E8z
— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) February 5, 2025
