Matchday 18
Chippa United vs Richards Bay
Buffalo City Stadium
East London, South Africa
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Kick-off is at 20:15 CAT
With Chippa United looking to steer away from the Betway Premiership relegation zone, the Chilli Boys could make it three wins on the spin when they take on Richards Bay at Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday night.
The Chilli Boys endured a tasteless 2025/26 campaign leading up to the month of January and faced the threat of finishing in the relegation zone.
However, following back-to-back wins over Orbit College and Durban City in their last two league ties, Chippa moved into 14th place, one point ahead of the PSL relegation play-off spot.
Chippa recorded just three wins during the entire league campaign so far and will head into their next match with two victories, two draws and one defeat in their last five.
The Natal Rich Boyz are currently ninth on the log, with 19 points to their name after 16 games played. Richards Bay last featured in the league on 30 January, where they jotted down a 2-2 draw with Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Richards Bay struggled to yield positive results in the league lately and recorded four draws and one win in their previous handful of ties.
In what was news that made headlines in Betway Premiership media during the last couple of days, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a shock exit from the club after spending four years with the Chilli Boys.
Speaking on the experienced star’s departure, coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi expressed that Nwabali will be a big loss for his side for the remainder of the campaign.
“It is definitely a big blow for us, looking at how he did in Morocco. He is a super keeper, but obviously it’s his decision; I’m not involved in that,” Vilakazi said.
“It was a discussion between him and the chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] and they have agreed.
“I can only work with people who are in the system, and if there is a need for us to look for another goalkeeper so the competition can be high, we will beef up.”
Head-to-head:
- Games: 7
- Chippa United wins: 4
- Richards Bay wins: 1
- Draws: 2
Betway Premiership weekend fixtures
- Friday, 13 February
- 19:30: Durban City vs TS Galaxy
- 19:30: Magesi vs Golden Arrows
- Saturday, 14 February
- 15:30: Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants
- 18:00: Polokwane City vs Siwelele
- 20:15: Chippa United vs Richards Bay
- Sunday, 15 February
- 15:30: Sekhukhune United vs Orbit College