Richards Bay played out a goalless draw with Lamontville Golden Arrows in their final home game of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Saturday.
The Natal Rich Boys extended their unbeaten streak at home to eight games and sit 11th on the table, three points behind seventh placed Polokwane City. They will be fighting for a place in the top eight in their final fixture of the season next weekend.
Abafana Bes'thende are now winless in their last seven league games and sit one point above the relegation zone with one match left to play. Their points tally this season has been their worst since they were relegated in the 2013/14 season with 21 points.
Richards Bay debutante Sbani Khumalo Mntungwa got his first taste of top flight action in the 20th minute as he tipped Blessing Mchunu’s cross meant for Siyanda Mthanti out of bounds.
In the 42nd minute, Mntungwa stepped in again to block Mchunu’s shot from just inside the area.
Arrows had the chance to open the scoring at the stroke of half time, as Gladwin Shitolo could not make proper contact with the ball at the back post, missing the chance to mark his 200th league appearance with a goal.
Golden Arrows had an opportunity from a freekick in the 51st minute, but Sbonelo Cele could not get his attempt to dip under the bar and it flew over the crossbar.
Arrows were forced to make their final substitution of the game in the 67th minute when David Lukhele, who came on in the 55th minute for Nduduzo Sibiya, was stretchered off and replaced by Nduduzo Mhlongo.
Abafana Bes'thende had Richards Bay on the defensive for most of the last 15 minutes, but could not threaten Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
In the 87th minute, Mthanti attempted the incredible with a long range strike which flew well wide of goal.
The Natal Rich Boys could have snatched all three points with the final kick of the ball, but Wandile Ngema’s free kick could not find the target.
Richards Bay will finish their 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign against SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
Golden Arrows will be fighting for survival when they host Sekhukhune United at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on Saturday in their final game of the season.
Richards Bay 0
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Richards Bay: S. Magoola, F. Gcaba, S. Mcineka, T, Mabua, S. Mntungwa, S. Zulu, T. Gumede (S. Ntsundwana 69’), M. Thikazi (M. Mthembu 46’), L. Mhlongo, W. Ngema, N. Bomelo (Y. Mbuthuma 46’)
Lamontville Golden Arrows: E. Maova, S. Cele, A. Jiyane, G. Shitolo, T. Matlaba, N. Zwane (A. Maxwele 46’), N. Dlamini (S. Kobedi 46’), A. Van Rooi, N. Sibiya (D. Lukhele 55’) (N. Mhlongo 67’), B. Mchunu (S. Sithole 55’), S. Mthanti