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Richards Bay stun Pirates to relegate Spurs

Orlando Pirates' CAF Champions League ambitions suffered a blow after losing 1-0 to Richards Bay, which has seen Cape Town Spurs relegated.

Olisa Ndah, Miguel Timm and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo made a welcome return to the Buccaneers' side that started the win over Chippa United, with Sanele Barns restored by Richards Bay.

Pirates were relatively slow out of the blocks and were caught napping when a switch of play saw Ntsundwana pull to the far side to shave the far corner following a first-time shot.

The relegation-threatened boys continued to keep the host at bay and enjoyed the better overall stakes in defence and attack prior to the half-hour mark.

Richards Bay did make the stakes count in their favour ten minutes to halftime when a defensive lapse allowed Barns to step up and tucked beyond a rooted Sipho Chaine.

The Buccaneers were in desperate search of a response and came close through a half-chance from the box by Tshegofatso Mabasa, but Salim Magoola had no qualms collecting.

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Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng, who has been the bright spark for the Buccaneers this season, could've drawn level with a clever shot outside the area but hit the woodwork.

With the host chasing a response, a trio of alterations midway through the half urged coach Jose Riveiro to bring on Evidence Makgopa, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siphelo Baloni.

Pirates continued to keep believe and forced Magoola to a fine save following a curling shot from Patrick Maswanganyi in the last ten minutes of play.

The Natal Rich Boys continued to hold out and secured the win to stave off the drop and relegated Cape Town Spurs to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Confirmed line-ups:

Orlando Pirates:  Chaine, Maela, Xoki, Ndah, Monyane, Timm, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Mabasa

Subs:  Buthelezi, Pule, Sesane, Baloni, Kapinga, Makhaula, Otladisa, Sibsi

Richards Bay FC: Magoola, Mabuya, Ndaba, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Dlamini, Mthembu, Barns, Myaba, Mhlongo, Ntsundwana

Subs: Jacobs, Mabua, Makhubela, Figareido, Dube, Gumede, Mbuthuma, Komane, Mohlamme

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