Durban City FC and Richards Bay played out a 1-1 draw in an International Club Friendly at the King Zwelithini Stadium on July 25, 2026. The match, which brought together South African clubs from different tiers, provided a useful pre-season workout for both sides.

Match Story

Durban City FC started brightly, enjoying plenty of possession in the early stages. Their pressure told in the 23rd minute when a clever through ball split the Richards Bay defense, allowing striker Sipho Mthembu to round the goalkeeper and slot home. Richards Bay responded well, growing into the game as the first half progressed. They equalized in the 39th minute when a corner was headed in powerfully by defender Thabo Zulu.

Second Half Balance

The second half was more even, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. Durban City hit the post from a free kick, while Richards Bay saw a goal disallowed for offside. The tempo dropped in the final 20 minutes as substitutions disrupted the flow. Despite the draw, both coaches were able to rotate their squads and assess fitness levels ahead of the new season.

Player Notes

• Sipho Mthembu (Durban City FC) – Took his goal well and linked up play effectively.
• Thabo Zulu (Richards Bay) – A dominant presence in the air, scoring the equalizer and organizing the defense.
• Lucky Dlamini (Richards Bay) – Impressed with his energy in midfield, driving forward at every opportunity.

With the new season approaching, both Durban City FC and Richards Bay will take positives from the 1-1 draw. The friendly provided valuable minutes for players and helped sharpen tactical approaches. Fans will hope their teams can build on these foundations when competitive action begins.