By Michael Madyira
BeSomila Ntsundwana struck a brace to fire Richards Bay to a 4-0 victory over Baroka FC in a Premier Soccer League play-offs tie at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday.
It was a decisive encounter. The Natal Rich Boyz needed just a point to maintain their PSL status, but they went for the kill and won convincingly.
Ntsundwana opened the scoring after 37 minutes before sealing his double on 62 minutes
His efforts were backed by Sanele Barns’ goal two minutes before halftime and Lwandile Mabuya’s strike with five minutes remaining.
After collecting maximum points, Richards Bay finished the play-offs three points clear on top of the table, with the University of Pretoria occupying the second spot while Baroka anchored the standings with just two points.
It was an encounter which promised goals from the start when Baroka midfielder Siyabonga Mtombeni could not finish a low cross while faced with only goalkeeper Salim Magoola to beat.
A minute later, Thato Mohlamme got a similar chance for Richards Bay and could not bury the ball after a cross from Yamela Mbuthuma.
Ntsundwana then separated the two sides with an acrobatic effort off a feed from Mbuthuma.
Six minutes later, Barns said his goodbyes to Richards Bay as he headed to Stellenbosch by converting from a freekick that beat Baroka keeper Katlego Molefe, aided by a deflection off the wall.
Ntsundwana was back to complete his brace after taking advantage of a Baroka defensive error to beat Molefe.
But Bakgaka ba Mphahlele custodian Molefe tried to keep the scoreline respectable with some fine saves as Richards Bay continued to probe while Baroka appeared to have given up hope of returning to the contest.
Mabuya then put the match beyond Baroka’s reach when he pounced on a loose ball from Molefe trying to save a Khuda Muyaba shot.
Pictured above: Richards Bay forward Somila Ntsundwana finding his way past Baroka FC players
Source: PSL
