Stellies suffer first league defeat of Hunt era
Stellenbosch FC suffered a first league defeat under Gavin Hunt after going down 2-1 to Richards Bay on Tuesday evening.
Stellies’ eight-match unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership was brought to an end on Tuesday after the team from the Winelands suffered a hard-fought defeat to Richards Bay at the Umhlatuze Sports Complex.
The defeat was set in motion by a familiar face as former Maroons midfielder Sanele Barns opened the scoring for the hosts early in the encounter. Mosa Lebusa made a strong challenge in the box, but the ball fell fortuitously to Barns, who made no mistake from close range.
Richards Bay’s lead did not last long, however, as Genino Palace levelled matters soon after, making a late run into the box to latch onto Langelihle Phili’s squared ball and restore parity.
Both sides continued to push forward in search of a winner, and the decisive moment came early in the second half when Tshegofatso Mabasa was adjudged to have fouled Sbangani Zulu in the box.
Moses Mthembu stepped up to convert the resultant spot-kick to put his side back in front, and ultimately, to earn the Natal Rich Boyz all three points on the night.
Stellenbosch FC will be in action again on Friday, 17 April 2026, when they host Sekhukhune United in league action at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.