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Richards Bay out to silence resurgent AmaZulu

football29 April 2024 14:40| © Backpage TXT
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Yanela Mbuthuma and Mbongeni Gumede © Gallo Images

Richards Bay will take on their KwaZulu-Natal rivals, AmaZulu FC, in Tuesday's DStv Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

The Natal Rich Boys saw their two-match unbeaten run come to an end when they succumbed to a 1-0 loss to their relegation rivals, Cape Town Spurs away on 26 April.

As a result, Bay remain 15th in the DStv Premiership standings - five points above 16th-placed Spurs and six points behind 14th-placed Moroka Swallows with five matches left.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu snapped their two-match winless run when they emerged as 2-1 winners against an in-form Chippa United side at home on 27 April.

Therefore, Usuthu are occupying the 11th spot in the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs as the battle to finish in the top eight continues.

TEAM NEWS

The KwaZulu-Natal clubs will be without the services of two key players when they meet in Umlazi, Durban.

Richards Bay captain Simphiwe Mcineka and AmaZulu defender-come-midfielder Abbubaker Mobara will be missing due to suspension.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Richards Bay head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi

“If you target two things at the same time we might lose both of them," Vilakazi said.

"So, right now we'll take it one game at a time and when we get the three points then we'll know that we're not gonna be relegated. Let's now focus on the few games that are left in terms of finding Swallows if we can, so we will definitely chase them."

AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin

“It has to be congratulations to everyone, to the players, the technical staff for the great job we are doing and the way that we’ve stood up to come back from the situations of the last two games,” Martin said.

“It was a really tough (period) and I think we played really well, but coming up with our hands empty I think was tough and that was part of the reason we played until the end and we won that penalty. So, we deserve the three points and the position we’re in as well.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sanele Barns, Richards Bay: The gifted attacker remains the Natal Rich Boys' most productive player in the final third this season with the most goals (three) and assists (four) in the league. Barns could be key to Richards Bay's win in the KZN Derby.

Hendrick Ekstein, AmaZulu FC: The attacking midfielder has hit form having found the back of the net twice in his last three matches for Usuthu, including the winning goal against Chippa and he will be keen to help his side overcome Richards Bay.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2022/23 AmaZulu 0-1 Bay Hlongwa

2022/23 Bay 1-1 AmaZulu Maphathe; Qalinge

2023/24 AmaZulu 0-0 Bay

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