Richards Bay FC beat TS Galaxy 1-0 in their opening game of the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium, in Umlazi, on Sunday.
Having narrowly avoided the drop from top division football last season after coming through the relegation/promotion playoffs, the three points for Richards Bay might just be the perfect elixir for their new campaign.
A goal from defender Keegan Allan, in his debut for Richards Bay, in the 22nd minute was the difference between the two sides. From a free kick near the centre circle, Allan met the cross in space in the box and headed perfectly into the bottom left corner of goal.
Though Richards Bay did not have much possession for the majority of the game after their breakthrough, their resolute defence stood firm and the relief was palpable at the final whistle as they managed their first victory over TS Galaxy in five attempts.
We love to see it 👏
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 15, 2024
A fantastic start to the season for Truter and his men 🔥#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/ugZN8uxutE
‘Always a good feeling’
Allan said after the match: “We knew the challenge TS Galaxy would be. And we fought for that. You could see. We put 100% into that.
“It’s always good feeling [scoring], but at the end of the day it’s about the team as we leave with three points,” added Allan.
Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter said: “It wasn’t a nice match at all. But it’s the first match and we understand the anxiety, and the nerves. But it’s out of the way now. It’s three points on the board and that’s all we can ask for.
We got the goal from a set play, then we had to react as they were coming into our half spaces very well. But the boys are coachable, they have a good energy and they have a fighting spirit.”