Richards Bay win shootout to dump Durban City out of KZN Premiers Cup

Richards Bay held their nerve in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Durban City to reach the next round of the 2026 KZN Premier’s Cup after a 1-1 draw at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

The Natal Rich Boys progressed by converting all five of their spot-kicks, eliminating last season’s Nedbank Cup winners and maintaining their hopes of claiming the provincial pre-season trophy.

In a fiercely contested KwaZulu-Natal derby on Saturday, Richards Bay carried the greater attacking threat for much of the match and were rewarded just before half-time. Moses Mthembu broke the deadlock late in the first period, putting Richards Bay in front and giving them control going into the interval.

Richards Bay continued to look on course for victory for long spells of the second half as Durban City struggled to break them down. However, Durban City were handed a route back into the game in fortunate fashion when an own goal brought them level, sparking celebrations from the Durban side.

Luphumlo Sifumba was pictured celebrating as Lindokuhle Zikhali was credited with turning the ball into his own net, a moment that transformed the momentum of the contest and ensured a tense finish in Clermont.

Neither team was able to find a decisive second goal in regulation time, despite both pushing for a late winner, and the tie went straight to penalties to decide who would advance.

From the spot, Richards Bay showed greater composure in the shootout, calmly dispatching all five of their penalties. Durban City converted four of their attempts but missed one, which proved costly as Richards Bay clinched a 5-4 success.

The result sends Richards Bay into the next round and gives them an early psychological boost over their Durban rivals ahead of the new league campaign. Defeat for Durban City brings an early end to their participation in a competition that often sets the tone for KwaZulu-Natal clubs before the season proper.

Significance beyond pre-season

Although the KZN Premier’s Cup is officially a pre-season tournament, it is viewed locally as more than just a fitness exercise or an opportunity to experiment with line-ups.

The competition consistently provides regional rivals with a chance to make an early statement of intent and gain a mental edge in the battle for provincial bragging rights. Every win is seen as a small but meaningful advantage to carry into the league fixtures that follow.

Richards Bay’s victory over Durban City will be seen in northern KwaZulu-Natal as a timely boost, particularly with another derby encounter between the sides to come in league action later in the campaign.

Milford FC stun Golden Arrows

Earlier in the day, newly promoted Milford FC made an immediate impact in their introduction to top-flight opposition.

Facing Golden Arrows, Milford recorded a 1-0 win to book their own place in the next round of the KZN Premier’s Cup. It was a dream start for the club in a setting that pitted them against established Premier Division opposition and offered a first indicator of how they might cope at a higher level.

Both Richards Bay and Milford FC will now look to build on their progress in the competition as preparations continue for the forthcoming season.