Knox Mutizwa hit a brace of goals to inspire Richards Bay to a 4-1 triumph over Chippa United in a Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Natal Rich Boyz joined Marumo Gallants, Golden Arrows, TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates and Durban City in the quarterfinal draw, which will be completed with Stellenbosch FC or Kaizer Chiefs, as well as AmaZulu FC or Magesi FC.
Four of the five goals were scored in an entertaining first-half in which the hosts took full advantage of Chippa’s slipshod defending, while the second stanza saw Bay happy to sit on their lead and hit on the counter – eventually adding a cherry on top via substitute Lundi Mahala in injury time.
Bay got off to a flying start and claimed the lead in the fourth minute, as Siyabonga Nzama’s shot was blocked by Seun Ndlovu, but fell perfectly for Ntlonelo Bomelo, who easily finished from close range for 1-0.
And in the seventh minute it was 2-0 to the Natal Rich Boyz, as Knox Mutizwa got on the end of Wandile Ngema’s in-swinging corner kick from the left flank and directed a header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Chilli Boys were stunned by their opponent’s fast start, but gradually gained a foothold in the game and pulled a goal back in the 26th minute when Bienvenu Eva Nga fired in a low cross from the right and Azola Tshobeni stabbed home from close range.
The Eastern Cape side were looking to build another spell of pressure, but a loss of possession in midfield allowed Bomelo to spring free down the left and tee up Mutizwa, who easily finished past Nwabali in the 37th minute to restore Bay’s two-goal advantage.
Three goals to one down at the break, Chippa opted for a double change at the start of the second half which saw Bandile Dlamini and Thabang Molaoa thrown into the fray, and they created a couple of notable openings – including a header on target for Justice Figuareido which was comfortable saved by Ian Otieno.
That was the only real key involvement for Otieno through the second half, with the hosts able to keep the Chilli Boys’ attempts at a comeback at bay – and they stretched the lead out to 4-1 four minutes into injury time when Mahala race free down the left of the penalty area and provided a right-footed finish past Nwabali at the near post.
The teams will return to league action after the international break, with Bay at home to Orbit College on Friday 17 October, and Chippa away to Marumo Gallants on Sunday 19 October.
Richards Bay (3) 4 (Bomelo 4’, Mutizwa 7’ 37’, Mahala 90+4’)
Chippa United (1) 1 (Tshobeni 26’)
Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Zuke, Mcineka, Mangolo (Mtungwa 46’), Mthethwa, Ngema (Thikazi 62’), Mthembu, Bomelo (Mahala 79’), Nzama (Khumalo 90+1’), Mutizwa (Mtshali 79’)
Chippa: Nwabali, Kammies, Ndlovu (Dlamini 46’), Idumba, Modise, Figuareido, Mosele, Konqobe (Ntsundwana 68’), Philander (Molaoa 46’), Tshobeni (Mfecane 83’), Eva Nga (Hlophe 83’)