Starting XIs: Chippa v Richards Bay

Image via @RichardsBayFC_

Chippa United got their victory in the Betway Premiership after edging Richards Bay FC 1-0 on Saturday evening.

The Natal Rich Boyz handed new signing, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City striker Thabiso Kutumela his debut in a reinforced attacking line-up that also had Thabang Sibanyoni, Justice Figuareido and Siboniso Conco.

Meanwhile, Chippa new recruit, Andile Jali shrugged off the injury he picked up against his old club Orlando Pirates in midweek to start.

In slippery conditions, the sides looked to capitalize early on and on 13 minutes, Azola Ntsabo came close to opening the scoring for Chippa with a looping shot that scrapped the top of the crossbar.

The game opened up after that and on 25 minutes, Simphiwe Mcineka had a chance to break the deadlock for Brandon Truter's charges with a close-range header that missed narrowly wide from a corner situation.

However, the Chilli Boys gained momentum in the latter phase of the first stanza and just before the interval, Kwanele Kopo's side went ahead after Magoola could not hold onto a shot by Bienvenu Eva Nga and a scramble in front of the goal-line led to an own goal by Kutumela.

Richards Bay had enough chances to go to the break level pegging with United but the likes of Figuareido and Conco were thwarted by shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.

After missing the opening game against Pirates due to a loan clause that he could not play against his parent club, Siphelo Baloni was eventually handed his debut for Chippa from the interval, as he replaced Baraka Majogoro.

With Chippa mostly backpedalling to protect their lead early in the second stanza, Jali could not continue beyond the hour-mark, as he appeared to be carrying a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Ayabulela Konqobe.

The Chilli Boys continued to drop deep and look for counter-attack opportunities in the closing stages and with ten minutes to go, Eva Nga broke away free in the box but fired his shot straight at Magoola.

The Natal Rich Boyz had the momentum in the dying minutes and Lwandile Mabuya almost got the equaliser with a strike that was parried into the bottom post by Nwabali.

However, Chippa managed to remain tight at the back afterwards and clinched their first victory and points.