Following a heavy defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership last Wednesday, AmaZulu returned to the winning column this week owing to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Richards Bay at the at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Friday night.

A late Moses Mthembu penalty saw Richards Bay level the score 10 minutes from time as Richards Bay fought against AmaZulu’s mounting pressure in the second-half. However, Nkosikhona Radebe had the last laugh in the keenly anticipated derby, grabbing the winning goal just two minutes after Mthembu’s spot kick.

Richards Bay were the aggressors during the opening exchanges of the first-half as seen with chances through the likes of Nqaba Xulu and Sanele Barns. Xulu registered the first notable scoring opportunity of the match, watching his close-range header go narrowly wide after being assisted by Lwandile Mabuya with a cross in the third minute.

AmaZulu grew into the game as the midway point of the first-half approached as Siyanda Hlangabeza and Sandile Mthethwa threatened the Richards Bay backline with attempts of their own.

Usuthu came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute after Athini Maqokola struck the crossbar with a shot inside the area following a corner.

While possession was relatively even, AmaZulu grew in confidence during the latter stages of the half with Sandile Mthethwa, Ngwenya and Langelihle Mhlongo producing quick succession shots at goal moments before the break.

AmaZulu continued to apply pressure at the restart and managed to take the lead in the 51st minute. With the ball swung into the mix, Ngwenya executed a well-taken header that sailed into the top right corner.

Richards Bay had little to show for their attacking impetus throughout the second-half while Mehluleli Ndelu attempted to hit the target from range in the 65th minute but ultimately saw his shot sail over the bar.

The Natal Rich Boyz received a lifeline with 10 minutes left on the clock and managed to draw level from the spot. After Lundi Mahala drew a foul inside the area, the referee pointed to the spot, and Mthembu took responsibility, sending his 12-yard shot toward the bottom right corner.

Not holding back, AmaZulu re-took the lead just two minutes after as Radebe added his name to the scoresheet. Moments after Hendrik Ekstein won a free-kick on the left wing, Radebe found himself in the right place at the right time to guide home a shot from the centre of the goal after being found by Athini Maqokola.

Radebe’s sucker punch proved to be the final bit of action in the match as AmaZulu their third win of the 2026/27 campaign while Richards Bay slumped to their second-defeat in the league.

Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Mthembu 80’)

AmaZulu: (0) 2 (Ngwenya 51’, Radebe 82’)

Richards Bay: Otieno, Khumalo (Sithebe 86’), Mcineka, Ndelu, Sikhakhane, Mabuya, Khumalo (Simelane 86’), Zikhali, Mthembu, Barns (Mahala 61’), Xulu

AmaZulu: Mzimela, Fielies, Mthethwa, Hanamub, Radebe, Hlangabeza, Mhlongo (Moralo 70’), Bern, Ngwenya (Shumah 86’), Maqokola (Philips 87’), Mbanjwa (Ekstein 73’)