Richards Bay made it two wins on the spin in the Betway Premiership this week following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Magesi at the Richards Bay Stadium on Wednesday night.

Following a timid and tactical battle on the pitch, Lindokuhle Zikhali’s lone effort in the final quarter of the match separated the two sides in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

There was little to choose between the two sides during the first 10 minutes of the game with neither creating any clear-cut opportunities early on. However, The Natal Rich Boyz held the majority of the ball during this period as they looked to settle at the Richards Bay Stadium.

Richards Bay grew in confidence as the half progressed, with the likes of Halalisani Vilakazi and Tlakusani Mthethwa making their way up the pitch. The hosts came close to scoring in the 32nd minute through Wandile Ngema, who missed an attempt with a header from the middle of the goal.

Mzwandile Buthelezi took the direct route in an attempt to affect the scoreline in the 37th minute, however, he found his right-footed shot from outside the area was subsequently blocked.

In what was a largely lacklustre first-half by both sides, the ref called time with the score reading 0-0 at the break.

Richards Bay remained the more progressive side on the ball after the restart, as Magesi struggled to get into the game.

The hosts came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock moments before the hour-mark after Lindokuhle Zikhali struck the woodwork with a left-footed attempt inside the danger zone.

With Magesi on the ropes, Richards Bay eventually took the lead in the 76th minute after Zikhali showcased his aerial ability with a header from the middle of the box.

Magesi battled to make their chances stick toward the end of the game, as Richards Bay saw off the 90 minutes with maximum points in the bag.

Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Zikhali 76’)

Magesi: 0

RICHARDS BAY: Otieno, Vilakazi, Mcineka, Nzama, Mntungwa, Mthethwa, Zuke, Ngema, Zikhali, Mthembu, Mhango (Mahala 90’)

MAGESI: Chipezeze, Mashigo, Buthelezi (Seseane 83’), Mokone, Abrahams, Matima, Masegela (Chirambadare 86’), Mosadi (Zungu 68’), Makhubu, Mtshali, Sibanyoni