Kaizer Chiefs will finish the weekend outside of the top eight in the DStv Premiership after a 1-0 defeat to Richards Bay on Sunday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Richards Bay 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 21 April 2024
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
Chiefs made only one change from their defeat against Chippa United, as Ashley Du Preez was recalled to join Christian Saile, Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi upfront.
Amakhosi showed attacking intentions in the early stages as within the first eighth minute Shabalala had a chance with a shot in the box that was saved by goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
Cavin Johnson's charges remained on the front foot but they only came close to scoring again on the half-hour mark after Du Preez carved out an opportunity for Saile, whose shot was smothered by Magoola.
However, the Glamour Boys became predictable after that, as they were tempted by Richards Bay overloading the centre of their defence to play crosses into the area, which were comfortable for Magoola.
The visitors, amidst a low block from the Natal Rich Boyz, had another chance just before the break after Du Preez slipped through on goal but lacked the killer-instinct, one-on-one with Magoola, as the sides went to the interval deadlocked.
Richards Bay made a couple of mistakes early in the second stanza, particularly Magoola in goal but Chiefs could not capitalize.
The hosts gained confidence going forward with a few threats and just after the hour-mark, Simphiwe Mcineka eventually broke the deadlock with a glancing header in the six-yard box from a cross by Sanele Barns following a corner.
Chiefs nearly pulled a goal back on 73 minutes after Du Preez's deflected shot spinned towards the far post but Magoola made a crucial save, as he collided with the post.
Just after that Johnson threw in the fresh legs of Ranga Chivaviro in place of Saile upfront.
The Soweto giants were spirited after that and they opened up the game after throwing numbers upfront but Vusumuzi Vilakazi's men were compact at the back and held on to a narrow win.
Amakhosi remained out of the top eight after a third straight defeat and a fourth loss in five matches.
Here's how they lined up:
Richards Bay: 80. Magoola, 3. Ndaba, 22. Mabuya, 5. Mthethwa, 25. Mcineka, 44. Komane, 88. Makhubela, 21. Mhlongo, 22. Muyaba, 30. Barns, 45. Ntsundwana
Subs: 16. Jacobs, 23. Figuaereido, 9. Mbuthuma, 99. Dube, 66. Malepe, 72. Mabua, 7. Mohlamme, 20. Mthembu, 13. Gumede
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 18. Solomons, 25. Msimango, 2. Dove, 23. Hlanti, 5. Mthethwa, 6. Sithebe, 42. Shabalala, 13. Mmodi, 21. Saile, 9. Du Preez
Subs: 1. Petersen, 4. Kwinika, 39. Frosler, 17. Castillo, 37. Zwane, 19. Mashiane, 28. Vilakazi, 14. Gonzalez, 7. Chivaviro
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