AmaZulu claim KZN Derby bragging rights with Richards Bay win

AmaZulu FC grabbed the KwaZulu-Natal Derby bragging rights in style as they beat Richards Bay 3-1 in the Betway Premiership match played at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Usuthu's second successive win elevated the Durban-based side up to the 13th spot in the league standings and they will be looking to make it three victories in a row when they lock horns with TS Galaxy away on 7 December.

The Natal Rich Boys, on the other hand, recorded their fourth defeat in a row and they remained 16th in the league standings. Richards Bay will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways when they host SuperSport United on 6 December.

#BetwayPrem - RESULT:@AmaZuluFootball score three goals and take home the bragging rights as they win their KZN Derby clash against @RichardsBayFC_ pic.twitter.com/PGyR1ce3Mn

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) November 30, 2024

Usuthu controlled the match from the start, with Ethan Brooks and Rowan Human looking lively. Brooks dribbled past goalkeeper Ian Otieno before playing a cutback pass for Godspower Ighodaro, whose effort went wide of the target in the 25th minute.

AmaZulu deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute when Tshepang Moremi burst into the Richards Bay box from the right before setting up Human, who hit the back of the net. The visitors were leading 1-0 during the halftime break in Umlazi, Durban.

Coach Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi's side did not sit back and defend their lead after the restart. Ighodaro scored a controversial goal in the 66th minute after connecting with Wayde Jooste's cross and there were doubts about whether the ball had entirely crossed the goal-line.

However, Usuthu continued to attack and they extended their lead in the 69th minute when Brooks beat Otieno after the Natal Rich Boys' defence was exposed. Yanela Mbuthuma pulled one back in stoppage time, but AmaZulu held on to secure a 3-1 win over Richards Bay.

Richards (0) 1 (Mbuthuma 90+')

AmaZulu (1) 3 ( Human 37', Ighodaro 66', Brooks 69')

Richards: Otieno, Mabuya, Mabua, Allan, Mcineka, Dlamini (Zikhali 77'), Figureido (Bomela 77'), Mthembu (Mhlongo 46'), Mbuthuma, Sithebe (Buthelezi 46'), Ntsundwana (Gumede 46').

AmaZulu: Ofori, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mphahlele, Motshwari, Brooks (Mbanjwa 71'), Ekstein (Haba 90'), Moremi (Mashigo 79'), Human (Sithole 90'), Ighodaro (Dion 78').