Kaizer Chiefs fought hard for a 2-1 victory in the Betway Premiership over Richards Bay at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, climbing to sixth in the league standings.

The Chiefs welcomed Richards Bay to one of their alternate home venues in Limpopo, marking their return to club play after a three-week international break. Both teams used this time to improve their performances, as they had both failed to secure a win in their last two league matches.

The match kicked off with high energy as both teams engaged in an enthusiastic battle, although the first ten minutes were slightly lacking in intensity. The Chiefs introduced a new yet relatively stable midfield duo, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa making his season debut alongside Yusuf Maart.

After 20 minutes of searching, the Amakhosi finally broke the deadlock, with 20-year-old Wandile Duba finding the net. A moment of brilliance from a well-executed short corner set up the goal, with Yusuf Maart delivering a pinpoint cross that found an unmarked Duba, who skillfully maneuvered past the Bay defense to score his first goal of the season.

This opening goal brought more balance to the match, as both sides shared possession throughout the remainder of the first half. Despite gaining the early lead, the game felt somewhat disorderly, with neither team successfully taking control of the ball or dictating the gameplay.

By the time the clock hit 40 minutes, the score remained 1-0, and the ball frequently changed hands with neither team demonstrating fluidity in their attacking play.

Chiefs went into halftime with a slim lead to defend, while the Natal Rich Boys retreated to the locker room to rethink their tactics.

Just four minutes into the second half, Chiefs’ right-back Reeve Frosler received a second yellow card and was sent off, putting the team at a numerical disadvantage early in the half.

Facing this situation, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi sought to strengthen the defense by substituting Pule Moodi for right-back Dillan Solomons.

A midfield change occurred in the 55th minute when Thulani Gumede and Siyethemba Sithebe were replaced by Langelihle Mhlongo and Nkosikhona Ndaba, aimed at revitalizing a struggling Chiefs defense.

Forward Justice Figuareido was also taken off the field in a notable triple substitution, replaced by Simphiwe Mcineka.

th minute, as Maart provided yet another assist, this time to Ashley Du Preez. A precise through ball allowed Du Preez to expertly turn and slide it past goalkeeper Ina Otieno, giving the 10-man Chiefs some valuable breathing room.

However, Yanela Mbuthuma capitalized during stoppage time, managing to score and beat Brandon Petersen, who was making his first start in goal for the club.

Despite this late setback, the Glamour Boys held on for a narrow victory, securing three points against a Richards Bay side that failed to make the most of their numerical advantage for much of the second half.

Pressure is now mounting on Bay coach Truter, whose team has managed to achieve only one win in the league this season.