AmaZulu FC secured a vital 2-1 away win over Richards Bay on Friday night, a result that lifts them to third place in the Betway Premiership. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Nkosikhona Radebe scored the decisive goals in a dramatic second half to seal all three points.
According to a match report from Soccer Laduma, the victory pushes AmaZulu to 10 points from their opening five games this season. Their recent form of WLWDW shows a team finding its rhythm under head coach Arthur Zwane, now sitting just three points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates.
How did AmaZulu win the match?
The game was decided in a frantic final half-hour. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who entered the match as the league's top scorer, extended his tally to six goals for the campaign. He struck six minutes into the second half, around the 52nd minute, to give AmaZulu the lead.
Richards Bay fought back and won a penalty twelve minutes from full time. Substitute Lundi Mahala, who had replaced Sanele Barns, was fouled by Gape Moralo. Moses Mthembu stepped up and converted the spot-kick in the 80th minute to level the scores. Parity lasted just two minutes. Nkosikhona Radebe restored AmaZulu's lead in the 82nd minute, finishing off a move created by Athini Maqokolo's pass.
What is AmaZulu's current league position?
This win is a significant boost for AmaZulu's early-season ambitions. The three points move them firmly into the top three of the Premier Soccer League. With 10 points from a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss, they have a positive goal difference of +1, having scored eight times and conceded seven. You can see the full standings to track their progress.
The result is a marked improvement from their last outing, a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. Arthur Zwane's side showed character to bounce back on the road against a Richards Bay team that had previously held Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-2 draw.
What comes next for AmaZulu FC?
Attention now turns to a demanding run of league fixtures. AmaZulu's next three matches will test their consistency as they aim to stay in the upper reaches of the table. They host Marumo Gallants next, before travelling to face Polokwane City and then Durban City. Fans can follow the team's schedule on our fixtures page.
For Richards Bay, the search for a win continues as they have now failed to win in five league matches. Their upcoming schedule includes trips to Milford FC and a home game against Sekhukhune United before a daunting clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Who were the key performers?
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya's goalscoring form is central to AmaZulu's success. His sixth league goal of the season keeps him at the top of the scoring charts and provides a constant threat. The late contribution from Nkosikhona Radebe proved decisive, showcasing the squad's depth. Earlier in the match, Athini Maqokolo had come close to scoring himself, striking the crossbar from a corner with goalkeeper Ian Otieno beaten.
The team's overall defensive resilience, after the Sundowns setback, will please the coaching staff. Maintaining this form will be essential as they navigate the coming weeks. Supporters can review individual contributions on our stats hub. AmaZulu's next challenge is the home fixture against Marumo Gallants.
