In what was a thrilling end to a game of football at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Richards Bay recorded a crucial 2-1 win against Sekhukhune in their latest Betway Premiership encounter on Wednesday night as they look to avoid the drop this season.
With the score tied at 1-1 deep into injury time, second-half substitute Thabiso Kutumela showcased his quality with a stunning freekick in the 93rd minute to earn his side maximum points in Umlazi.
Richards Bay came flying out the blocks and recorded the first attempt at goal as early as the second minute. Moses Mthembu saw his shot blocked from the centre of the goal after Justice Figuareido lofted the ball into the area.
However, in what was their first scoring chance of the match, it was Sekhukhune United who broke the deadlock in the eighth minute.
After making way inside the Natal Rich Boyz box, Chibuike Ohizu guided the ball home with a right-footed shot just outside the area.
Babina Noko continued to pile on the pressure after taking the lead, as seen with progressions on the ball by Ohizu and Linda Mntambo.
Nonetheless, Sekhukhune did well to preserve their lead heading into the halftime break.
After creating a couple of chances at the start of the second half, Richards Bay drew level shortly before the hour mark.
Looking to cause damage from a corner situation, Fezile Gcaba found himself in the right position inside the area before slotting the ball home with a right-footed shot.
Richards Bay edged Sekhukhune to the ball on numerous occasions after the 70th minute mark, but were unable to make the most of their forward advancements.
As for Babina Noko, the Limpopo side battled to get a foothold in the game.
The Natal Rich Boyz then took the lead in dramatic fashion during stoppage time as Kutumela stole the show with a well taken right-footed effort from a free-kick just outside the 18-yard-area.
Richards Bay: (0) 2 (Gcaba 57’, 90+3’ Kutumela)
Sekhukhune United: (1) 1 (Ohizu 8’)
RICHARDS BAY: Salim, Gcaba, Allan, Mcineka, Ndaba, M.Mthembu, T.Mthethwa, Figuareido (Ngema 90’), Mhlongo (Mdantsane 69’), Ntsundwana (Macuphu 46’), Mbuthuma (Kutumela 90’)
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED: Sangare, Letlapa, Mohamme, Cardoso, Mogaila, Mkhize, Mokhuoane, Mkhize, Otladisa (Mokoane 46’), Mntambo, Mbokoma (Rammala 66’), Ohizu (Kapinga 82’)