Bay break losing streak with victory over Stellies

Richards Bay snapped their losing run in the Betway Premiership with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Stellenbosch FC at the Richards Bay Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Natal Rich Boyz triumphed on the back of goals from Sanele Barns and Moses Mthembu, avoiding a fourth straight loss in the league and rising to 11th place – just two points off the top half of the table.

Stellies, meanwhile, saw an eight-game unbeaten streak come to an end, as they remained in ninth place – two places and two points ahead of their opponents.

The match got off to a flying start, with two goals inside the opening 10 minutes. Richards Bay claimed the lead via former Stellenbosch player Sanele Barns, who found the bottom corner of the net with his effort, before the host drew level via Genino Palace, firing home after a late run into the penalty area.

The hosts created chances to reclaim the lead around the half-hour mark, with Lundi Mahala sending an effort narrowly wide, while Lindokuhle Zikhali found the back of the net in the 35th minute but the offside flag was raised in the build-up.

Level at halftime, the Natal Rich Boyz continued to build pressure early in the second stanza and were rewarded with a penalty when Zikhali was tripped up in the box. Moses Mthembu took the spot kick and converted for 2-1 in the 53rd minute.

𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 #BetwayPrem

▪︎Richards Bay 2️⃣-1️⃣ Stellenbosch
(Barns'7,Palace'10, Mthembu'53[p])#NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/6IDKYwIF9I — Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) April 7, 2026

Stellies looked for a quick response but ultimately turned to their bench for inspiration, sending on Muzomuhle Khanyi and Khomotjo Lekoloane (who made his long-awaited return from injury) with just under 20 minutes of regulation time remaining.

Bay also made liberal use of their substitutes to keep freshness and intensity in their play, doing well to hold off Stellenbosch’s attempts at a comeback and secure an important victory.

Richards Bay will be back in Premiership action on Friday 10 April, hosting Orlando Pirates, while Stellenbosch’s next league fixture is at home to Sekhukhune United on 17 April.

Richards Bay (1) 2 (Barns 7’, Mthembu 53’ pen)

Stellenbosch FC (1) 1 (Palace 10’)

Bay: Otieno, Sikhakhane, Mcineka, Sbangazi (Bomelo 79’), Mtungwa, Mthembu, Nashixwa, Barns (Nzama 90+3’), Zikhali (Mthethwa 76’), Gumede (Ngema 76’), Mahala (Mabuya 79’)

Stellenbosch: Stephens, Godswill, Ndah, Lebusa, Tiwani, Mokobodi, Mthiyane, Palace (Khanyi 72’), Phili (Lekoloane 72’), Titus (Mdaka 89’), Mabasa (Cupido 82’)