AmaZulu FC claimed a vital three points on the road with a late 2-1 victory over Richards Bay on 4 September. The win lifts the Durban side to fourth in the Premier Soccer League standings with 10 points from their opening five matches.
Nkanyiso Radebe was the hero, firing home the winner just two minutes after the hosts had equalised from the penalty spot. Thabang Ngwenya had given AmaZulu the lead in the 52nd minute, but Mxolisi Mthembu's 80th-minute penalty for Richards Bay looked to have snatched a point. Radebe's decisive strike, assisted by Asekho Maqokola, ensured AmaZulu bounced back from their heavy defeat the previous week.
Recent form and league position
That 5-2 loss to champions Mamelodi Sundowns on 26 August is the only major blemish in an otherwise solid start for AmaZulu. Their form over the last five games reads two wins, one draw and two losses. They began the campaign with a 1-0 win at Stellenbosch before a seven-goal thriller against Sekhukhune United ended in a 4-3 defeat. A draw with Orlando Pirates and a win over Siwelele followed, setting the stage for the recent results against Sundowns and Richards Bay.
With eight goals scored and seven conceded, AmaZulu's goal difference stands at plus one. They currently sit nine points behind the early pace-setters, Mamelodi Sundowns, but have established themselves in the top four.
Looking ahead
The squad will now prepare for their next league fixture, aiming to build consistency. Coach Pablo Franco Martín will be pleased with the character shown to win so soon after conceding, a trait that will be essential for any push towards the top. The team's upcoming fixtures present an opportunity to consolidate their position before the first quarter of the season is complete.
Key performers like Radebe and Ngwenya will be expected to maintain their scoring contributions, while the defence looks to tighten up after conceding seven goals in the last three outings. The next match is scheduled for 19 September, giving the squad time to recover and refine their approach on the training ground.
