Chippa United edged closer to securing their top-flight status after playing a 1-1 draw with Richards Bay FC in the PSL promotional/relegation play-offs afternoon at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Chippa had the likes of Bienvenu Eva Nga, Nyiko Mobbie, Maloisane Mokhele as well as Isaac Nhlapo in the line up while Siyabonga Vilane started for Richards Bay.
After a quiet opening half, Somila Ntsundwana almost handed Richards Bay the lead with a smart header in the six-yard area, but goalkeeper Rashid Watenga made a good save.
The Chilli Boys soon had a go at goal at the other end through a tame shot from Mokhele; however it offered no trouble to goalkeeper Malcolm Jacobs, who gathered majestically.
Upon the restart, Chippa opted for a change. Kurt Lentjies came in for Thamsanqa Sangweni, while the host also made a substitution of their own as Paseka Sekese replaced Nzuzo Mkhize.
But it was the visitors who went ahead ten minutes after the restart, as Mokhele’s cutback was bundled past Jacobs through Peter Maloisane from close-range.
Meanwhile, Khanyisa Mayo almost restored parity midway in the second half through a first-time strike outside the area, but Watenga was equal to the task.
Richards Bay persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Vilane rose highest at the near post to head home a sumptuous delivery from Ntsundwana for his second goal against Chippa. Substitute Augustine Kwem could have given Chippa the win late on but he dragged his effort wide as the game finished 1-1. With the result, the Chilli Boys remain top of the play-off standings.