Early pressure as Arrows and Richards Bay collide in first KZN derby of the season

The first KwaZulu-Natal derby of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season promises a tense battle on Wednesday evening when Golden Arrows host Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Both sides come into this clash licking their wounds after opening-day defeats, adding an extra layer of urgency to what is already a fiercely contested provincial fixture. Arrows were blown away by newly reformed Siwelele on Saturday, while Richards Bay suffered a home loss to Marumo Gallants in Umlazi.

For Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, the derby offers an early chance to get the campaign back on track and restore belief among the supporters.

Mngqithi, in his first full season back at the helm, has a side blending experienced hands with youthful energy, but Saturday’s lapses in concentration proved costly. The likes of Nduduzo Sibiya and Nhlanhla Zwane will be expected to inject urgency and creativity into the attack this time around.

Richards Bay co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane are also feeling the heat after a flat showing against Gallants.

The Natal Rich Boyz, now in their fourth season in the top flight, are keen to avoid a relegation dogfight having finished eighth last season, and three points against a local rival could be the perfect lift. Midfield general Tlakisani Mthethwa and skipper Simphiwe Mcineka will need to lead from the front if Bay are to impose themselves.

While Arrows have claimed three wins in the last five league meetings between the sides, Richards Bay have enjoyed the recent upper hand — winning and drawing the last two encounters. Their physical approach and aerial presence have often unsettled the Durban side, particularly in tight matches.

Defensively, Arrows will look to the leadership of Gladwin Shitolo to keep Bay’s direct play at bay, while pace on the flanks — especially from Siyanda Mthanti — could be their most potent weapon going forward. For Gabriel and Zothwane’s men, quick transitions and set-piece efficiency could be the difference between frustration and celebration.

With both sides eager to avoid back-to-back defeats, the stakes are high even this early in the season. A win would not only put points on the board but also grant the victors crucial bragging rights in the province.

The King Zwelithini Stadium is set to be a cauldron of noise, with derby-day energy bringing out the passion of both sets of supporters. In games like this, desire and composure often count as much as tactics.