Luphumlo Sifumba of Durban City celebrates Lindokuhle Zikhali of Richards Bay's own goal during the KZN Premiers Cup match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.
Richards Bay held their nerve from the penalty spot to edge Durban City 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the sides played to a 1-1 draw, booking their place in the next round of the 2026 KZN Premier's Cup.
The KZN clash had all the intensity expected of two local rivals, with neither side willing to give an inch despite the intensity. But Richards Bay looked more attacking and opened up the scoring with a goal by Moses Mthembu just before the end of the first half.
Richards Bay looked on course for victory before Durban City found a fortunate route back into the contest. The Citizens were handed a lifeline when an own goal levelled the scores, forcing the match into a penalty shootout after neither team could find a winner in regulation time.
With the pressure mounting from 12 yards, Richards Bay kept their composure. Natal Rich Boys converted five of their spot kicks to seal a 5,4 shootout victory, knocking out last season's Nedbank Cup winners and keeping alive their hopes of lifting the provincial crown.
