Golden Arrows and Richards Bay brace for tough Premiership assignments

KwaZulu-Natal’s representatives in the Betway Premiership head into a tricky Saturday double-header as Golden Arrows visit log leaders Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm), before Richards Bay travel to the Danie Craven Stadium to take on Stellenbosch FC (5:30pm).

Arrows face the toughest possible task in their upcoming fixture. Sekhukhune have made a blistering start under Eric Tinkler, sitting top of the table after six games with five wins and a draw.

Their success has been built on defensive organisation — only two goals conceded all season — and the ruthless finishing of striker Bradley Grobler. The veteran forward leads the scoring charts with four goals, underlining his importance to Babina Noko’s impressive early run.

For Abafana Bes’thende, who remain stuck in mid-table, this encounter represents both a daunting challenge and a chance to measure themselves against the league’s best. Arrows have produced some bright attacking spells this season but have been let down by defensive lapses that undo their momentum.

Facing a side as clinical as Sekhukhune, Manqoba Mngqithi’s men will need near-perfect concentration to avoid being overrun. The trip to Polokwane is about more than just points — it is an opportunity to test the character against a side already staking a title claim.

Later in the day, Richards Bay line up against a Stellenbosch side desperate to rediscover their league form. Stellies come off the emotional high of last weekend’s MTN8 final and a slender loss to AmaZulu on Wednesday, but they have struggled badly in the Premiership, collecting just four points from six matches.

Steve Barker’s men have looked uncharacteristically disjointed, with fatigue and inconsistency stalling their progress. The Danie Craven Stadium, usually a fortress, has not delivered the same dominance this season, making this clash pivotal.

The Natal Rich Boys, now based at the Mhlathuze Sports Complex, travel with cautious optimism. Co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane have emphasised structure and resilience, values that proved crucial in last season’s survival fight. Goals, however, remain a persistent concern. Richards Bay have battled to create enough clear chances, and against Stellenbosch they cannot afford to waste opportunities.

For Stellies, this game offers the chance to realign their league campaign after their cup exploits, while Richards Bay will look to capitalise on any signs of distraction or fatigue.

If they can frustrate the hosts and remain disciplined, the Rich Boys could return home with a positive result.

Both KZN clubs step into hostile territory on Saturday, underdogs in their respective fixtures. Arrows must halt the country’s form side and top scorer, while Richards Bay face a wounded but capable Stellenbosch.

Tough assignments await, but in the unpredictability of the Premiership, surprises cannot be ruled out.