Stellenbosch's poor run of form in the Betway Premiership continued after they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Richards Bay at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday, September 20.

Steve Barker's side were undone by Siyabonga Nzama's 43rd-minute goal as the Natal Rich Boyz secured their second win of the new campaign to move up to 10th place in the standings, four points better off than the Maroons in 13th position.

Stellies were looking to snap a two-match losing streak in the league after recording their first win of the season against Marumo Gallants on August 26, while Richards Bay sought to keep the momentum going following a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in midweek which extended their unbeaten run to three games.

The hosts bossed possession in the first half, but they struggled to really threaten Ian Otieno's goal and failed to hit the target with any of their three shots.

Ronnie Gabriel's side suffered an early setback when Tshepo Mabua was forced off through injury in the 23rd minute, giving Halalisani Vilakazi the opportunity to impress in defence.

The visitors hadn't offered much in attack either until they capitalised on a mistake from the opposition defence on 43 minutes, with Nzama scoring his first goal for the club since arriving from Milford in the off-season.

Barker threw on Lehlohonolo Mojela and Chumani Butsaka for Ashley Cupido and Andre de Jong respectively at the start of the second half in the search for goals, but still they found it tough to make in-roads in the final third.

The Cape Winelands outfit squandered the chance to draw level on 66 minutes after Otieno came up trumps in a one-on-one situation to deny them the equaliser.

Lundi Mahala could have sealed the win late on when he steered a header over the crossbar from Wandile Ngema's cross on 88 minutes. Ultimately it didn't matter as the Natal Rich Boyz came away with all three points.

Stellenbosch 0

Richards Bay (1) 1 (Nzama 43')

Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, T. Mokobodi (K. Lekoloane 76'), S. Nkwali, T. Moloisane, T. Manafov, D. Titus (L. Nku 60'), A. de Jong (C. Butsaka 46'), M. Mthiyane (G. Palace 76'), S. Barns, A. Cupido (L. Mojela 46'), L. Phili.

Richards Bay: I. Otieno, S. Zulu, S. Mcineka, T. Mabua (H. Vilakazi 23'), S. Mntungwa, T. Mthethwa, T. Zuke, W. Ngema, L. Zikhali, S. Nzama (L. Mabuya 85'), G. Mhango (L. Mahala 69').