AmaZulu FC claimed provincial bragging rights in the KwaZulu-Natal derby after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at Princess Magogo Stadium in their Betway Premiership clash on Friday night.
The result lifted Arthur Zwane’s side into third place in the league standings above Kaizer Chiefs having played a game more. Crucially, it provided a much-needed bounce back after a 5-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns the previous week, while keeping the Natal Rich Boyz winless in their opening five league fixtures.
Following a tightly contested first half that ended goalless despite early bookings for Richards Bay’s Nqaba Xulu and Lindokuhle Zikhali, the match burst into life after the break. In-form forward Thandolwethu Ngwenya broke the deadlock for Usuthu in the 52nd minute with a precise finish to put the visitors ahead, scoring his sixth league goal in five matches.
Richards Bay FC rallied late in the second half and drew level in the 80th minute when Moses Mthembu coolly converted from the penalty spot. However, the hosts’ joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, defender Nkosikhona Radebe restored Usuthu’s advantage, connecting decisively in the 82nd minute to make it 2-1. Usuthu successfully managed the closing stages and five minutes of stoppage time to seal all three points on the road.
Despite the win, Usuthu head coach Arthur Zwane was not entirely happy with the scoreline after watching his charges miss clear-cut chances. “I don’t think the 2-1 scoreline is a true reflection,” Zwane said. “We had chances inside the box at some point, we missed the target completely but it’s one of those things. All we needed was to get maximum points, so we are happy with the points.”
Zwane has set a high standard for Ngwenya, whom he believes is a prolific goalscorer. “I wouldn’t want to put Ngwenya under pressure,” Zwane noted. “I’m the type of coach that says one step at a time, one game at a time, but I want him to score in every game that he plays. Today Ngwenya should’ve scored three or maybe four, in actual fact. Last season, before he got injured, Ngwenya should’ve scored 14 or maybe 15.”
Zwane recalled the missed chances by the forward, citing that they should have been converted. “Opportunities like these inside the box, he missed them. He finished on six
goals, he’s our top goalscorer, and that alone tells you he’s got so much potential. He could have done better last season, so I’m just hoping and praying that he doesn’t get injured. Even if he has a bad day at the office, he must still score because he’s a striker, and I was happy to see that.”
AmaZulu FC XI: Mzimela, Fielies, Mthethwa, Hanamub, Radebe, Hlangabeza, Mhlongo (Moralo 70′), Bern, Ngwenya (Shumah 86′), Maqokolo (Phillips 86′), Mbanjwa (Ekstein 73′)
Richards Bay FC: Otieno, Mabuya, Sikhakhane, Mthamosi, Mcineka, Mntungwa (Zulu 86′), Mthembu, Zikhali, Khumalo (Sithebe 86′), Xulu, Barns (Mahala 61′)