logo
Rich Boyz do the business in Premier's Cup

Rich Boyz do the business in Premier's Cup

The Citizen27-07-2025
Rich Boyz do the business in Premier's Cup
The Natal Rich Boyz have some gold to add to their treasure chest after bagging the KZN Premier's Cup trophy at the uMhlathuze Stadium this afternoon.
With no score and extra time on the clock Siyabonga Nzama cleverly won a penalty and ice man Tshepo Mabua calmly sunk it in the left corner to give victory to the NRB outfit.
A good day's work – two wins out of two – told a lot about this season's crop of new players, and it looks extremely promising.
Full marks also to the dedicated fans who braved the cold and rain to see heir heroes get the glory.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Richards Bay's long-awaited uMhlathuze return delayed by damaged pitch
Richards Bay's long-awaited uMhlathuze return delayed by damaged pitch

IOL News

time10 hours ago

  • IOL News

Richards Bay's long-awaited uMhlathuze return delayed by damaged pitch

Richards Bay were crowned champions of the 2025 KZN Premiers Cup at Umhlathuze Sports Complex, in Richards Bay, at the end of last month. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Richards Bay FC's long-awaited return to their true home in uMhlathuze has been put on hold, just days before the start of the new Betway Premiership season. After spending their first three seasons in the top flight playing out of the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, the Natal Rich Boyz were finally set to host matches at the newly refurbished uMhlathuze Stadium — starting with a home opener against Marumo Gallants on Saturday. However, that emotional comeback has now been delayed. The club confirmed on Monday that the fixture will be moved to a different venue following significant damage to the pitch during the KZN Premier's Cup last weekend, where heavy rain left the surface unplayable. 'Following a tough KZN Premier's Cup contested over rain-sodden days last weekend, the uMhlathuze Stadium playing surface faced significant damage and that has necessitated a change of venue to allow sufficient time for remedial action to be completed,' the club said in a statement. mina I'm suggesting you don't play any games there until the pitch matter is resolved to avoid issuing endless statements, was there before premiers cup and i noticed that the grass will not hold frequent matches. best thing to do now is to start over the pitch. — anthu (@abantuq) August 4, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading It's an unfortunate twist for the coastal outfit, who not only won the pre-season competition with a win over Durban City but also used the occasion to mark the symbolic reopening of the stadium they consider home. City of uMhlathuze officials and the appointed contractors are said to be working tirelessly to ensure the pitch is ready by the time Richards Bay host Chippa United on 26 August. The unexpected venue switch throws a spanner in the works for co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, who had hoped to ride the wave of momentum into the opening weekend. The pair have already started shaping a competitive squad with new additions and will be eager to start the campaign on a high—even if it means doing so away from their fanbase. Supporters, who had been eagerly anticipating the return of elite football to uMhlathuze for the first time in over three years, will now have to wait a few more weeks to see their team in action at home. 'We apologise to our supporters who have been anticipating with excitement to see their heroes in action at home, but we could not allow further damage to the playing surface,' the club added. An alternative venue for the clash against Gallants will be announced in due course which is expected to be a return to Umlazi as per the PSL fixture.

Mammoth MTN8 task today for Richards Bay FC
Mammoth MTN8 task today for Richards Bay FC

The Citizen

time2 days ago

  • The Citizen

Mammoth MTN8 task today for Richards Bay FC

NRB fans will have their eyes glued to their TV screens today as the Rich Boyz take on the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns in an MTN8 quarter final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, at 6pm. Only the biggest optimists – and fanatical NRB supporters – give Richards Bay any chance of winning; but cup games are made for upsets and this might be another one of those. The encounter will be screened live on SuperSport channel 202. Meanwhile, Richards Bay have announced a venue change for their opening 2025/26 Betway Premiership fixture against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 9 August. Five tough KZN Premier's Cup games contested over two rain-sodden days last weekend did significant damage to the uMhlathuze Stadium playing surface, necessitating a change of venue to allow sufficient time for remedial action to be completed. Due to have been the Rich Boyz' triumphant return to the newly revamped uMhlathuze Stadium after it was condemned by the PSL in September 2021, the decision has been taken to shift the game to the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi – where the NRB side has played its home fixtures over the past four seasons. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer

AmaZulu's pre-season shake-up raises questions ahead of MTN8
AmaZulu's pre-season shake-up raises questions ahead of MTN8

IOL News

time28-07-2025

  • IOL News

AmaZulu's pre-season shake-up raises questions ahead of MTN8

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane and assistant Siboniso Vilakazi have a tough task to keep the club competitive during the opening rounds of the upcoming season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Bacpagepix AmaZulu's technical team are grappling with growing concerns over a lack of squad depth and experience as they prepare for a testing MTN8 quarter-final showdown against Stellenbosch FC on Sunday. Having finished sixth last season, Usuthu earned a place in the lucrative Top 8 competition — but as the 2025/26 campaign kicks off, head coach Arthur Zwane is still piecing together a squad capable of challenging on all fronts, including the push for CAF qualification. The Durban-based side released a staggering 17 players at the end of last season, triggering a major squad overhaul that has left gaps across key positions. Long-serving figures such as Veli Mothwa, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Mbongeni Gumede, and Rowan Human were among those shown the exit door. With just days to go before their clash against Stellies, only a handful of new faces have been seen in AmaZulu colours, including defender Keagan Allen, goalkeeper Darren Johnson, and striker Ryan Moon — all of whom featured during the KZN Premier's Cup this past weekend. However, more arrivals are expected before the close of the transfer window. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Assistant coach Siboniso Vilakazi admitted that the team is still far from settled and that the loss of experience has been deeply felt during pre-season. 'When you look at the second team against Durban City, it tells you that we don't have depth because it was a completely new team,' said Vilakazi, after their semi-final exit in the KZN Premier's Cup. 'We have players that we are trying to reinforce with who have experience at the highest level and some who are coming back from loans and those from our youth systems.' Vilakazi was encouraged by the performances of some of the younger players but warned that youth alone won't be enough to carry the team through a demanding season. 'So, we are not starting from scratch,' he added. 'But after this tournament, even though we are happy with the performance of the youngsters, we know the depth is not there as yet.' Usuthu's situation is made more urgent by the timing of the MTN8. The clash against a settled and well-drilled Stellenbosch side, who themselves are eyeing silverware this season, will offer a stern test of just how ready Zwane's side really is. The club's recruitment strategy is expected to remain aggressive over the coming weeks, with emphasis on bringing in players who offer leadership and experience, particularly in defence and midfield. For now, Zwane and his staff are walking a tightrope — balancing long-term rebuilding with the short-term pressure of performing in a knockout competition. And as the countdown to Sunday begins, AmaZulu's depth and cohesion will face their first real examination.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store