THREE points and nothing less will be at stake tonight when KwaZulu-Natal stragglers Richards Bay host Limpopo counterparts Magesi FC in the Premiership at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi (7.30pm kick-off).

Both sides will be desperate for a win as they are only separated by two points at the base of the log.

History makers, Carling Knockout champions Magesi, hold the breaks with seven points after seven games.

The home side, on the other hand, are not on a much better footing, with nine points after 14 outings.

Even though the Natal Rich Boyz are at home, Magesi will have no reason to shed their confidence, as they won the only previous meeting between the two sides.

The clash also presents the Limpopo side with a chance to test and integrate their new signings into the squad.

Magesi were the busiest side during the recently closed January transfer window, acquiring the services of Mcedi Vandala (on loan from Sekhukhune United), Thabang Sibanyoni (on loan from Sundowns), Lehlohonolo Mtshali and Camren Ashby (both from Sekhukhune) and a free agent, Ntsako Makhubela.

The presence of Makhubela and Sibanyoni could spark more fireworks in the clash as both players previously featured for the Bay.

The 29-year-old striker Sibanyoni, even though loaned from Sundowns, came off another loan at Richards Bay, where he made three starts and six substitute appearances this season.

It is unclear whether Magesi, who sit at the bottom of the Premiership, have taken Sibanyoni on loan or signed him outright.

Makhubela will surely have a point to prove against the KZN side since he has been clubless since they released him in July.

Staying in KZN, Royal AM fixtures remain suspended – meaning their match against Marumo Gallants will not take place.

There will be more Premiership football in KZN, though, on Saturday night when the pride of the province, AmaZulu FC, welcome SuperSport United (8pm kick-off) in what has proven to be a tricky fixture for both sides in recent outings.

Usuthu will be looking to bounce back from their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Stellenbosch FC at Umlazi last week.

Both sides will be looking to build on their midweek wins in the Nedbank Cup, SuperSport went past Magesi 2-0, spearheaded by Christian Saile, whom they snatched from Kaizer Chiefs.

Usuthu, on the other hand, will consider themselves resurrected from their slumber against Stellenbosch FC, having managed to pay forward the five goals in a 5-1 slaughter of Mighty Eagles.

AmaZulu themselves were spearheaded by a Soweto giants reject in Sandile Mthethwa, who put his superpowers on display by smashing a hat-trick, which is a very rare feat for a defender.

Lamontville Golden Arrows will wrap the weekend when they visit the Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon in a 5.45pm kick-off.

#supersport

Can Richards Bay topple confident Magesi in battle for survival?