Friday night lights in KwaZulu-Natal are about to shine a little brighter as AmaZulu FC and Richards Bay FC lock horns in a fiery Betway Premiership derby at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on 4 April 2025. It’s more than just bragging rights on the line—both sides are desperate for points with the league entering crunch time.
AmaZulu: Slipping or Surging?
Usuthu’s recent form has been, well… shaky. A 2-1 defeat to Chippa United on March 29 marked their third straight loss, and suddenly the pressure is piling on Arthur Zwane and his squad.
They’re clinging to seventh place, but the pack is breathing down their necks—just four points behind Polokwane City in sixth, and only three ahead of Golden Arrows in 10th. Zwane didn’t mince words post-Chippa:
“The past four games, the goals we’ve conceded are identical. We’re making it harder for ourselves,” he said. “If we don’t win this next one, we could be out of the top eight. Our target was position four. Now we’re fighting just to stay in the mix.”
Richards Bay: Survival Mode Activated
Things aren’t much better for the visiting Natal Rich Boyz. Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane’s side were beaten 3-1 by Polokwane City last week, making it two losses in their last three. They’re currently 13th—just two points clear of the drop zone.
Despite the danger signs, Gabriel is facing the storm head-on.
“We’re not naive—we know we’re in a survival battle. But we’re up for the challenge. We’ll regroup and look to bounce back against AmaZulu.”
Players to Watch
AmaZulu’s Attack:
- Etiosa Ighodaro (4 goals): On loan from Sundowns, lethal in front of goal.
- Hendrick Ekstein (4 goals): Clever and unpredictable.
- Tshepang Moremi (3 goals, 6 assists): A livewire on the wing with end product.
Richards Bay’s Danger Men:
- Yanela Mbuthuma (4 goals): Leading scorer, always a threat.
- Justice Figuareido: Goals against Polokwane and Chiefs show he can deliver when it matters.
- Thulani Gumede (3 assists): The creative spark in midfield.
What’s at Stake?
- AmaZulu: Halt the slide. Stay in the top eight. Keep slim hopes of a top-four finish alive.
- Richards Bay: Avoid getting sucked into the relegation zone. A win could lift them above Arrows.
Recent Meetings
These sides have gone toe-to-toe in recent seasons. Here’s a quick recap:
- 2022/23: Richards Bay won 1-0; the reverse ended 1-1.
- 2023/24: A 0-0 draw and a 2-1 win for Bay.
- Earlier this season: AmaZulu hit back with a 3-1 win, with goals from Human, Ighodaro, and Brooks.
The Verdict
This one’s got all the makings of a KZN classic. AmaZulu have the attacking edge, but their defensive frailties leave the door open. Richards Bay know how to grind—it’s what survival football demands.
Expect fireworks, tackles flying in, and maybe a goal or two to separate the sides. Don’t blink.