By Michael Madyira
Richards Bay remained at the summit of the Premier Soccer League promotion/relegation play-offs following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Baroka FC at Global Stadium.
After beating University of Pretoria 1-0 at home on Wednesday, the Natal Rich Boyz made a follow-up but collected just a point on the road.
They now have four points while Baroka picked up their first point of this round-robin and are still stuck at the bottom of the table.
Pretoria University are second on the log, leaving Richards Bay with a task to protect their lead and preserve their PSL status.
But on Saturday, it was a drab affair in Limpopo that ended goalless.
Baroka went into the match with caretaker coach Morgan Mammila stepping in for the suspended Dan Malesela.
The former cop replaced goalkeeper Boalefa Pule with Katlego Molefe while Sekela Sithole was back to start.
Richards Bay coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi made one change to the team that beat AmaTuks by starting Sibusito Mthethwa in place of former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Austin Dube.
It was a slow start to the match with both sides not creating promising chances at goal.
But Baroka almost went ahead towards the half-time break when Sanele Barns drew a fine save from Molefe with a grounder.
After the restart, Boy Madingwana was a shade too slow to connect to a cross from Thulani Sikhosana.
That was the major attempt at goal as the two sides seemed to play for a draw for the rest of the afternoon.
Baroka will be at home again on Wednesday when they host Pretoria University. Richards Bay will have seven days of rest.
Pictured above: Richards Bay midfielder Lwandile Mabuya being challenged by Kabelo Kgositsile of Baroka
Image source source: Baroka FC
