Richards Bay edge Middendorp's Swallows

Richards Bay resumed their DStv Premiership campaign with a 1-0 win over Swallows FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, on Saturday afternoon.

The win saw the Natal Rich Boys reclaim second spot on the league standings - five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

Amaswaiswai, meanwhile, remained 14th on the standings as Ernst Middendorp began his tenure as Swallows head coach with a defeat.

The Natal Rich Boys were the better side in the opening exchanges, with Luvuyo Memela and Somila Ntsundwana combining well in Amaswaiswai's half.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute and Tshepo Mabusa made no mistake from the spot-kick, as the 28-year-old beat goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa to hand Richards Bay a 1-0 lead.

Swallows launched attacks as they looked to level matters, but the home side stood firm at the back and Richards Bay were leading 1-0 during the halftime break.

Kagiso Malinga, who scored 12 goals in the National First Division during the 2019-20 season for Swallows, was introduced prior to the start of the second half.

The 27-year-old striker had a chance to level matters in the 70th minute, but his acrobatic effort was well-saved by Salim Magoola in the Richards Bay goal-posts.

The hosts, whose defence has been rock solid this term, were able to contain Swallows in the latter stages of the game and ultimately Richards Bays emerged as 1-0 winners.

Richards (1) 1 (Mabua 11' pen)

Swallows 0

Richards Bay XI: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Mthethwa, Msani, Nyauza, Mathebula, Barns (Mabuya 90'+1), Zungu (Mtolo 69'), Ntsundwana (Mbuthuma 81'), Memela (Mthembu 69').

Swallows XI: Mbanjwa, Damons (Mtshali 67'), Allan, Lukhubeni, Mthethwa, Wambi, Matsheke (Sait 46'), Sasman, Shwabule (Malinga 46'), Musonda (Isaacs 67'), Khumalo (Patjie 90').