Durban City’s superb home form continued on Sunday evening after they beat Richards Bay in a crucial KwaZulu-Natal derby in the Betway Premiership. Not even a local derby could completely fill Chatsworth Stadium, but the home fans certainly tried their best to make their voices heard.
The atmosphere was more upbeat than usual; the drums were beaten a bit harder and fans sang a little louder in the hope that the Citizens could secure all three points. And secure maximum points they did, with City taking control of the encounter in the opening minutes, pressing play into the Rich Boyz’ half.
Durban City’s Winning Strategy
The hosts looked explosive going forward, with Terrence Mashego creating the first real chance of the match. Meanwhile, Richards Bay sat deep, looking for the long ball into City territory, often utilising the flanks. The centre of the field was rarely an area either side tried to penetrate during the first half.
Durban won a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box after Luphumlo Sifumba was brought down, creating the first real shot at goal from a set-piece. Richards Bay started to fight back midway through the half and almost netted from a header. City goalkeeper Darren Keet was forced into action after a strike at goal nearly clipped the crossbar.
Second Half Intensity
In response, Thapelo Maseko and Sifumba teamed up to attack Richards Bay’s defensive line, but they couldn’t keep the ball down to find the back of the net. Richards Bay definitely found their rhythm towards the end of the first half, as Thulani Gumede again forced Keet into a save from inside the box.
Both teams struggled to find that same tempo and energy in the second half. The intensity took an evident dip as the sides remained deadlocked and a 0-0 draw seemed inevitable. Finally, the breakthrough came when Maseko cut past the last defender following a long ball by Mashego, slotting home to put his team 1-0 up.
For more information on the Betway Premiership, visit the official Premier Soccer League Wikipedia page. Durban City are now in serious contention for a top-three placing in the league, joining a group of teams including AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, and Sekhukhune United behind league pacesetters Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Durban City won the match 1-0
- Thapelo Maseko scored the winning goal
- Durban City are in contention for a top-three league finish
