Chippa United Secures First Victory in Betway Premiership Against Richards Bay FC

Chippa United clinched their first victory in the Betway Premiership by defeating Richards Bay FC with a narrow 1-0 win on Saturday evening. The match saw the debut of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City striker Thabiso Kutumela for Richards Bay, as they fielded a strengthened attack also comprising Thabang Sibanyoni, Justice Figuareido, and Siboniso Conco.

In addition, Chippa United welcomed their new recruit, Andile Jali, who managed to start despite picking up an injury earlier in the week against his former club, Orlando Pirates. The game, played under slippery conditions, began with both teams striving to capitalize on early chances. Notably, Azola Ntsabo almost opened the scoring for Chippa with a lofted effort in the 13th minute that grazed the crossbar.

The tension escalated as the lively first half progressed, with Simphiwe Mcineka coming close to breaking the deadlock for Richards Bay with a missed header. However, it was an own goal by Kutumela just before halftime that handed Chippa the lead. A shot by Bienvenu Eva Nga was fumbled by goalkeeper Magoola, resulting in a scramble and eventual own goal during the goal-line chaos.

Despite various opportunities for Richards Bay to equalize before the interval, efforts by Figuareido and Conco were thwarted by Chippa’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. New signing Siphelo Baloni made his debut for Chippa after missing the previous game due to a loan clause and was substituted in after halftime.

Chippa United, seeking to defend their slim lead, encountered another setback as Jali was substituted on the hour mark due to a possible hamstring injury, with Ayabulela Konqobe taking his place. Richards Bay mounted pressure in the closing stages, drawing close to an equalizer through Lwandile Mabuya, whose shot was turned onto the post by Nwabali.

Ultimately, Chippa United maintained their defensive resilience, successfully securing their first points of the season. The confirmed line-ups for the match were as follows:

Chippa United: Stanley Nwabali, Ryan Kammies, Ntsabo, Kgosietsile Makhele, Tercious Malepe, Baraka Majogoro, Andile Jali, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Sandile Sithole, Azola Kwayiba, Mokhele Moqokozo. Substitutes included Malo Johnson, Sammy Martin, Moeketsi Modise, Aden Young Teto, Tshepo Madingwane, Pentjie Chabalala, Siphelo Baloni, Ayabulela Konqobe, Sizwe Matrose.

Richards Bay FC: Salim Magoola, Lwandile Mabuya, Kasi Mauba, Kegan Allan, Mcineka, Mhlongo, Siboniso Conco, Mxolisi Mthethwa, Thabang Sibanyoni, Thabiso Kutumela, Justice Figuareido. Substitutes listed were Timothy Otieno, Mhleli Ndelu, Emmanuel Mohlamme, Nkanyiso Mthembu, Sammy Gumede, Given Dube, Lindokuhle Mbuthuma, Athenkosi Buthelezi, Melusi Dube.