Richards Bay FC reclaimed second spot on the DStv Premiership table with a 1-0 win over Swallows FC on Saturday afternoon.
Former Orlando Pirates duo Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Luvuyo Memela headlined the home side's eleven, while Swallows coach Ernst Middendorp dropped goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala and recalled Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Richards Bay made the breakthrough on ten minutes when Tshepo Mabau turned in from the penalty spot on the back of a foul inside the six-yard area by the Dube Birds.
After a quiet period, the Dube Birds were close to the equaliser following a thumping drive from afar by forward Mwape Musonda but he was unable to beat the opposite number Salim Magoola.
More telling moments around the defensive-third arrived from the Dube Birds minutes to halftime but Richards Bay managed to hold ground and blocked Sibusiso Khumalo's rasping attempt.
Swallows pulled out a double alteration before the second stanza in Junaid Sait coming in for Darrel Matsheke while Mthokozisi Shwabule made way for Kagiso Malinga.
The Dube Birds pushed for the leveller yet again a little over the closing exchanges with an overhead attempt by Malinga, but saw Salim Magoola equal to the task.
Richards Bay weren't troubled by the Dube Birds pursuit to get back on equal terms but sustained the remainder of the match and bagged the win that elevated them back to second spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
Richards Bay FC: Magoola, Nyauza, Mabua, Mathebula, Memela, Mthethwa, Maphathe, Zungu, Ntsundwana, Barns, Msani.
Subs: Jacobs, Mthembu, Hlongwa, Majadibou, Mbuthuma, Makateng, Mabuya, Mtolo, Dlamini
Swallows: Mbanjwa, Lukhubeni, Allan, Sasman, Shwabule, Damons, Matsheke, Musonda, Wambi, Khumalo.
Subs: Tshabalala, Sibiya, Mngonyama, Ngwenya, Sait, Patjie, Isaacs, L.Mtshali, Malinga.
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