The fickle football gods seem to have their eyes fixed firmly on Richards Bay FC, who are simply without any lucky breaks on the field.
Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Sekhukhune typified the bad fortune.
After going a goal down early in the game when Lwandile Mabuya appeared to be tripped by an invisible man, instead of effecting an easy clearance, to give away the softest of goals (0-1), the Rich Boyz steadily dominated proceedings.
Plenty of first half entries into the opposition box yielded no results, but a goal looked sure to come in a dynamic 10-minute spell after the break when first Moses Mthembu shot high, then captain Simphiwe Mcineka headed just wide from a corner, Sanele Barns had no takers for his fine pass across the goalmouth, and Nqaba Xulu hit the post.
It was one of those days: made worse when a Sekhukhune free kick was poorly defended and the rebound fell to Ndongani ‘Samba’ Gilbani, who beat Siphesihle Mtshali in the NRB goals (0-2).
Stung into action, the Rich Boyz pulled one back when Xulu deflected a clever free kick into the back of the net (1-2) then barged his way past defenders and grabbed his brace (2-2).
Then followed a clear appeal for a handball penalty that was strangely waved away by the officials.
As cruel fate would have it, Richards Bay – looking for the elusive win – were punished on the counter in added time when Mtshali rushed out too soon and was well beaten by a fine Ellis Rammala shot (2-3).
Mtshali would make a terrific save at the death but the whistle came before the Rich Boyz could make amends.
A great performance that should have been rewarded after bossing all the stats, but it’s back to the drawing board before the next fixture, a home game against Sundown on 17 October after the international break.
All eyes will be on the progress being made with the grass rehab at the uMhlathuze Stadium.
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