Sport

Golden Arrows and Richards Bay rise as AmaZulu and Durban City stumble in Betway Premiership

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP

Smiso Msomi|Published

Sede Dion is officially making the 2025/26 season his own. With 13 goals now under his belt, the Golden Arrows talisman has extended his lead at the top of the Betway Premiership scoring charts following his decisive strike in the 2-1 win over Orbit College. Photo: Backpagepix

Image: Backpahgepix

KwaZulu-Natal’s representatives in the Betway Premiership experienced a weekend that perfectly captured the unpredictability of the run-in — moments of promise, but also harsh reminders of how quickly momentum can shift.

At the positive end of the spectrum, Richards Bay FC and Golden Arrows delivered results that could prove decisive in shaping their respective finishes this season.

The Natal Rich Boyz continued to underline their resilience, building on their reputation as one of the more stubborn sides to break down. Their recent form has quietly lifted them to 10th on the standings with 30 points, creating breathing room between themselves and the relegation scrap. 

Having already frustrated the likes of Orlando Pirates in recent weeks, Richards Bay are beginning to look like a side that has found the right balance at exactly the right time of the campaign.

Golden Arrows, meanwhile, strengthened their push for a Top 8 finish with an impressive 2-1 away victory over Orbit College. 

The result sees Abafana Bes’thende climb to eighth place on 34 points, firmly in the hunt for MTN8 qualification. Once again, it was talisman Sede Dion who made the difference, continuing his prolific season in front of goal. 

His consistency has been a driving force behind Arrows’ late surge, turning them into one of the more dangerous sides chasing a place in the top half. However, it was a far more sobering weekend for AmaZulu FC and Durban City FC.

AmaZulu, who had been holding onto fourth place with genuine hopes of CAF Confederation Cup qualification, were comprehensively outplayed by Orlando Pirates in Soweto. The defeat leaves them on 39 points, now seven behind third-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who also have a game in hand. 

What once looked like a promising push for continental football is now hanging by a thread, with inconsistency at the worst possible time threatening to undo much of their earlier good work.

Durban City’s situation is arguably even more concerning. Their 5-2 defeat to Magesi FC marked their heaviest loss of the season and exposed serious defensive vulnerabilities. Sitting sixth on 35 points, they remain within the Top 8 conversation, but performances like that raise questions about their ability to sustain a challenge in the closing weeks.

The current standings paint a tight and unforgiving picture. 

AmaZulu (fourth on points) still lead the KZN contingent, but both Golden Arrows (eighth on 34 points) and Durban City are locked in a congested battle where a single result can shift positions dramatically. 

Richards Bay  hover just outside that conversation but will feel increasingly confident about securing their top-flight status.

What this weekend ultimately highlighted is the fine margins at this stage of the season. Arrows and Richards Bay appear to be peaking when it matters most, while AmaZulu and Durban City are being forced to confront uncomfortable questions.

With only a handful of matches remaining, the province’s fortunes remain delicately poised between opportunity and collapse.


KZN club fixtures

FRIDAY
  • Durban City v Orbit College FC, 7.30pm @ Chatsworth Stadium
  • Golden Arrows v Siwelele 7.30pm @ King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium

SATURDAY

  • AmaZulu v Chippa United, 3pm @ Princess Magogo Stadium
SUNDAY
  • Richards Bay v Mamelodi Sundowns, 5.30pm @ Richards Bay Stadium