Kruger United secured a clutch 3-1 win over Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership match played at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night.
First-half goals from Wonderboy Makhubu and Ebrahim Seedat laid the foundation for the Village Boys to secure their third league win of the season, before a late third from Mancoba Zwane ensured a move up to ninth place on the log.
The Natal Rich Boyz gave themselves some hope with a strike from Luyanda Khumalo, but ultimately, it was not enough to prevent a sixth league defeat of the season, as they remained both bottom of the log, and the only winless team in the division thus far.
Kruger got off to a flying start and claimed the lead as early as the third minute, with Wonderboy Makhubu heading into the net from Ebrahim Seedat’s cross.
And Seedat went from creator to scorer in the 22nd minute, firing home from the penalty spot to make it 2-0. The spot kick was conceded due to a handball from Siyabonga Gumede in the 18-yard area.
The Village Boys appeared to be in complete control of the game, but in the 39th minute, Bay gave themselves a lifeline, as Luyanda Khumalo hit a shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou to reduce the deficit.
Ten minutes into the second half, the visitors almost levelled the scores via Nqaba Xulu, but his header flashed just wide of goal.
A similar attempt from Bay’s Thembela Sikhakhane also missed the target in the 72nd minute, while Philani Sithebe drove a shot narrowly wide a few minutes later, as the Natal Rich Boyz kept up their search for an equaliser.
They came close again in the 85th minute, with Dandjinou doing well to turn away Sphamandla Makhalala’s shot, and at the other end Bay goalkeeper Nhlakanipho Ngcobo was called on to keep out a drive from Khetukuthula Ndlovu.
The final nail was driven into Bay’s coffin in injury time when Mancoba Zwane struck home on the counter to wrap up the scoring at 3-1 in favour of the Village Boys.
The teams are scheduled to return to Betway Premiership action in late November, with Kruger at home to Mamelodi Sundowns, and Bay away to Marumo Gallants.
Kruger United (2) 3 (Makhubu 3’, Seedat 22’ pen, Zwane 90+3’)
Richards Bay (1) 1 (Khumalo 39’)
Kruger: Dandjinou, Seedat (Ndlovu 46’), Konqobe, Sibiya, Tiwani, Malatjie, Matima, Ngema, Ozil (Zwane 46’), Makhubela (Tavengwa 83’), Makhubu
Bay: Ngcobo, Mabuya, Sikhakhane, Mntungwa (Ngema 55’), Gwele, Gumede, Mthembu (Zikhali 75’), Khumalo (Sithebe 75’), Barns (Nzama 55’), Gumbi, Xulu (Mahala 75’)