Kaizer Chiefs will be disappointed to go into the FIFA international break on the back of a forgettable 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Richards Bay in their Betway Premiership clash at the Goodwill Zwelithini stadium in Umlazi, south of Durban, on Sunday afternoon.
Second half goals from Fekile Gcaba and Yanela Mbuthumba gave the hosts three points that could prove vital in their quest for safety come the end of the season. However, Amakhosi will bemoan an opportunity missed, as once again, they came up short at the business end of the pitch and could deliver the killer blow, despite some of their enterprising build-up play.
Amakhosi took a while to get to grips with the breezy conditions in Umlazi and, despite a decent effort from Dillan Solomons in the 5th minute, when he turned well but shot too high after receiving a square pass from Glody Lilepo from the right.
Bruce Bvuma proved again what good shot-stopper he is in the 17th minute when he pulled off an excellent save to keep his goal intact.
Amakhosi found themselves unable to assert themselves against a team that showed they are in a battle for survival, fighting for every ball and disrupting any cohesion the Glamour Boys were trying to create. One sweeping move in the 36th minute came close to fruition, as Amakhosi broke from defence through Thabo Cele, who fed Solomons in acres of space on the right. He slipped it down the line to Ashley Du Preez. The striker cut in and found Pule Mmodi on the edge of the box but his shot lacked the power to beat Salim Magoola in the Richards Bay goal. Similarly, Du Preez’s 21st minute header lacked the power to trouble the ‘keeper.
Amakhosi’s only other opportunity came from a corner which Given Msimango headed down into the ground and wide of the target.
