The Natal Rich Boyz defeated Stellenbosch FC 2-1 in their season-ending DStv Premiership game at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon, although they were unable to get out of the PSL Relegation playoff zone. During the first few minutes of the game, the Natal Rich Boyz put Stellies under a great deal of strain as they began their mission to survive. They ultimately saw results from their persistent work in the attacking third, as they opened up a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes.
Ntsako Makhubela broke through on goal in the fifth minute, beating Sage Stephens in a one-on-one after he had challenged for the ball on the outskirts of the Stellies box. In the seventeenth minute, Sanele Barns created a set-piece scenario that resulted in a pin-point cross that was met by Yamela Mbuthuma, whose glancing header had Stephens rooted to the spot for a 2-0 victory. Stellenbosch had the majority of the ball as they attempted to reenter the game and headed for halftime, but they were unable to take use of their chances to score goals.
After the restart, Stellenbosch dominated Richards Bay and gained momentum by applying intense pressure inside the Natal Rich Boyz half. At the stroke of the hour, Iqraam Rayners added another goal to his tally of DStv Premiership goal scorers, and the Cape Winelands team pulled one back. After being picked out by Genino Palace on his way to the Richards Bay box, the goal machine scored with a right-footed effort that found the bottom left corner of Salim Magoola’s net.
The home team responded to Stellies’ attacking intent with forceful defending on the fringe of their territory, but Steve Barker’s team persisted in their quest for an equalizer and kept Richards Bay off the ball for the majority of the second half. In an attempt to avoid relegation in the PSL, Richards Bay managed to get maximum points in their last league game, but it was too little, too late.
