Business Report

Richards Bay look to end losing streak against Chippa United

Premier Soccer League

Smiso Msomi|Published

Richards Bay coach Papi Zothwane will be hoping to guide his side to victory against Chippa United. Photo: Backpagepix

Image: Backpagepix

Richards Bay FC head into their upcoming Betway Premiership clash with Chippa United desperate to turn their season around. 

The Natal Rich Boyz have endured a difficult start, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with zero points from three matches. Their campaign so far has been plagued by inefficiency in front of goal and defensive lapses. In three outings, Richards Bay have managed to score just once while conceding four. 

Their most recent defeat, a narrow 0-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs, highlighted a side struggling to find attacking rhythm and lacking the cutting edge needed to challenge stronger opposition.

Coach Papi Zothwane is aware of the challenges ahead. He will need to instil confidence in his players and adapt tactics to exploit Chippa’s weaknesses. Richards Bay’s home form has mirrored their league struggles, with a solitary loss on home turf adding pressure for a positive result in this encounter.

Chippa United, too, arrives at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm with concerns.

The Chilli Boys sit 15th on the table, having collected just one point from three matches.  They are yet to register a victory, with their record showing two defeats and a draw. Their recent 4-1 home defeat to TS Galaxy exposed defensive vulnerabilities and an attack lacking cohesion.

The returning Luc Eymael is expected to take charge for this match after the club parted ways with Sinethemba Badela and assistant Musa Nyatama. Chippa’s tactical approach has been criticised for being overly cautious, failing to create enough opportunities, while their porous defence has already conceded six goals this season.

The historical context adds an extra layer to this matchup. The last encounter between the two sides ended in a goalless draw, reflecting the competitive nature of their meetings.

Over the last five clashes, Chippa United has emerged victorious four times, while Richards Bay are yet to secure a win. That record will no doubt motivate the home side to finally break their winless streak.

Both teams enter this fixture under pressure, making it a pivotal early-season encounter. For Richards Bay, a positive result could provide a much-needed boost in confidence and lift them off the foot of the table. 

For Chippa, avoiding another defeat is crucial to stabilise the squad and build momentum under Morgan Mammila’s guidance.

Expect a tense, hard-fought battle as Richards Bay seek to overturn history and Chippa United aim to assert dominance once more. In a season where every point matters, this clash at the Princess Magogo Stadium could be a defining moment for both struggling sides.