Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team recorded their first league loss on Sunday when they lost 1-0 against the Richards Bay Reserves at the Tuks Stadium.
The opening minutes of the match had end-to-end moments but it is Downs’ NtokozoSiquba who made the first call from the left flank but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. The biggest chance, however, came from the visitors when the shot rattled the woodwork to deny them.
The Natal Rich Boys started picking up the pace and dominated the field as they continued to look for an opener and creating clear-cut chances. The goalkeeper, Nqobani Biyela, made numerous saves to keep the score at level.
Eventually, after continuously knocking on the door, the visitors capitalised on the hosts’ mistake and found the back of the net to see them take the lead.
Siquba on the left flank again, had two more opportunities to level matters for his side but the goalkeeper was the hardest worker as he bucketed both chances. Richards Bay were quick to retaliate with a powerful shot but were denied an opportunity to double their advantage when Biyela cleared the ball with the tip of his fingers. With not much action from the young Brazilians, they headed to the interval trailing.
The second stanza kicked off with a promising opportunity in the area. Substitute, Xavier Jodamus, set up a goal for his side inside the box when he made a backheelpass but there was no one to receive to finish the work and slot it in.
Despite the lead, the KwaZulu-Natal side were still hungry for more goals and they continued to rattle the Downs rearguard. They were afforded space and they took advantage of that. The Richards Bay striker was seen making a run with no defenders on sight, luckily Biyela did not get off his line and managed to smack the shot away.
In the final twenty minutes of the match, Bafana Ba Style started to look more convincing and looked desperate to at least pick up a point out of the encounter. Their visitors, however, parked the bus and tightened their defence to ensure they hold on to the lead. Despite the several big chances in the closing stages, the hosts were unable to emerge victorious. They will look to bounce back in the next weekend when they travel to Gqeberha to face the Chippa United Reserves.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Seedat, Nkabinde, Maake, Masisi, Mareletse, Moabelo, Siquba, Mokoena, Booysen.
Subs: Shabangu, Mokoele, Jodamus, Gaseitsewe, Sithole.
