Despite claiming a 2-1 win against Stellenbosch FC in their final DStv Premiership match of the season at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Natal Rich Boyz were unable to escape the PSL Relegation playoff zone.
he Natal Rich Boyz started their mission for survival on a blistering note and put Stellies under immense pressure during the opening stages of the game.
Their hard grafting in the attacking third eventually paid off as they built a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
After challenging for the ball on the edge of the Stellies area, Ntsako Makhubela found his way through on goal in the fifth minute and managed to get the better of Sage Stephens in a one-on-one situation.
Then, following a set-piece situation, Sanele Barns played in a pin-point cross that was met by Yamela Mbuthuma, whose glancing header had Stephens rooted to the spot for 2-0 in the 17th minute.
In looking to get back into the game, Stellenbosch saw most of the ball en-route toward the halftime break but were unable to make the most of their goal-scoring opportunities.
Stellenbosch were all over Richards Bay following the restart and had momentum swung in their favour with high pressing inside the Natal Rich Boyz half.
The Cape Winelands side drew one back on the stroke of the hour-mark, as Iqraam Rayners once again added his name to the DStv Premiership goal scorers list.
Picked out by Genino Palace en-route the Richards Bay’s box, the prolific scorer made no mistake with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner of Salim Magoola’s goal.
Steve Barker’s side continued to push on for an equaliser and deprived Richards Bay of the ball for much of the second half, however, the home side met Stellies’ attacking intent with aggressive defending on the edge of their area.
Richards Bay held on to secure maximum points in their final league assignment, which proved to be too little too late as they look to prepare for the dreaded PSL Relegation playoffs
