Richards Bay midfielder Sanele Barns came back to haunt his former team Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening.
Image: BackpagePix
Stellenbosch FC's eight-match unbeaten run came to a screeching halt at the King Zwelethini Stadium on Tuesday evening after their 2-1 defeat to Richards Bay.
The hosts were eternally grateful for the three points as it helped the the Natal Rich Boyz snap a three-match losing streak.
Stellenbosch were stunned by a familiar face within the first six minutes when former midfielder Sanele Barns struck against his former team to hand Richards Bay an early lead.
The joy was short lived though, after Genino Palace made a late run into the box before firing Stellenbosch level just four minutes later.
The teams remain deadlocked at 1-1 until the halftime break.
But Richards Bay regained the advantage, which they held until the final whistle, when the home team were awarded a penalty after a melee in the Stellenbosch box.
Moses Mthembu took on the responsibility and stepped up to stop, sending Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens the wrong way to score the decisive goal in this encounter.
Gavin Hunt's team tried to respond through a long-range effort from Devin Titus in the 65th minute that forced Ian Otieno into a strong save.
But ultimately, they had nothing show on a frustrating night in KwaZulu-Natal with both the Stellenbosch players and coach Hunt making their intentions clear to the officials after the final whistle had gone.
Meanwhile, Chippa United earned an invaluable 1-0 victory over Siwelele, courtesty of a 57th minute goal from Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
Magesi FC also gave their chances of avoiding relegation a huge boost with a 3-0 walloping of fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants.
Striker Tholang Mashigo opened the scoring for Magesi FC before substitute Motsie Matima doubled the scoring just five minutes after entering the fray.
The victory was sealed with a third goal by Thabang Sibanyoni.