Arrows and Richards Bay clash in season’s first Natal derby

Lamontville Golden Arrows and Richards bay are both chasing their first win of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership as they meet in the first Natal derby of the season at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Golden Arrows suffered defeat on the opening day of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, losing 3-1 to Siwelele in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Arrows were outclassed by the PSL’s new outfit, conceding twice in two minutes in the first half. The visitors managed to pull one back in the 50th minute through Keenan Phillips, but his goal was cancelled out by Siwelele’s third just six minutes later.

Abafana Bes'thende are 14th on the log with a goal difference of minus two.

Richards Bay have now lost two games in a row to start the 2025/26 season, falling to Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the first round of the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium before losing 2-1 to 10-man Marumo Gallants at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Despite dominating possession and creating chances in the last half an hour, The Natal Rich Boys could not capitalise on their numbers advantage and conceded a second goal deep into stoppage time due to a goalkeeping error from Salim Magoola.

They sit 11th on the log, three places above Golden Arrows due to a better goal difference.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking ahead of the start of the season, Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes his side can provide entertaining and effective football for the club’s fans this season.

“I am confident that they will bring back the excitement that used to come with Golden Arrows,” said Mngqithi.

Richards Bay co-head coach Ronnie Gabriel admitted that the club’s record away from home last season left much to be desired and must be a point of improvement.

“This season, it was important that we addressed those types of concerns, [especially] our away record,” he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Golden Arrows - Keenan Phillips: Having joined the club at the start of last season, Keenan Phillips will look to prove his quality this campaign. The right back showed his ability to get up the field at the weekend, scoring against Siwelele. His ability on both sides of the ball could prove valuable for Abafana Bes'thende.

Richards Bay - Gabadinho Mhango: PSL veteran Gabadinho Mhango will be looking to make an impression at Richards Bay after joining from Marumo Gallants. After failing to score on Saturday, he will be looking to bag his first goal in his new colours.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (League results)

Golden Arrows Wins: 3

Richards Bay wins: 2

Draws: 1

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2022/23 Arrows 0-2 Bay Ntsundwana, Mabaso

2022/23 Bay 0-1 Arrows Moon

2023/24 Bay 1-2 Arrows Komane (pen); Moon, Ncube

2023/24 Arrows 2-1 Bay Sibiya, Ncube; Ntsundwana

2024/25 Arrows 0-1 Bay Zikhali

2024/25 Bay 0-0 Arrows

Total

P W D L GF GA

Arrows 6 3 1 2 5 5

Bay 6 2 1 3 5 5