Richards Bay have scored fewer and conceded more goals than Durban City, mentally putting them on the back foot ahead of the Betway Premiership KwaZulu-Natal derby on Sunday.
Nine points and six places separate the two teams, with Durban enjoying a better season so far. These teams have a bit of history prior to this encounter, but Richards Bay have one up on Durban in that regard.
Their 1-0 win over Durban in the Carling Knockout last November, and a 0-0 draw in the league that same month, means Pitso Dladla's team has never quite surmounted the challenge of Richards Bay so far this season.
But they’ve looked far more lethal since then, climbing to sixth place in their maiden voyage into the deep seas that is the PSL.
Now a crucial opportunity comes knocking — an opportunity to beat another KZN team and prove they are among the best, if not the best, in the province. Surely not something the team would have expected to happen so soon, but the chance is here nonetheless; why not grab it?
Recent form suggests Durban City are beginning to separate themselves from their provincial rivals. In their last five league outings, they have picked up three wins, one draw and just one defeat. More importantly, they have shown defensive steel, conceding very few goals while consistently finding ways to grind out results.
Richards Bay, on the other hand, have struggled for rhythm. Over their last five matches, they have managed just one win, alongside two draws and two losses. Goals are scarce, with their attacking line misfiring, particularly away from home, where they have endured long scoring droughts this season.
What further strengthens Durban’s case is their home advantage. Playing at Chatsworth Stadium, they have developed a reputation for resilience, often leaving it late to snatch results. Richards Bay’s poor away form only adds to the uphill task they face.
However, derby matches rarely follow a script and are based on who wants to win more than the other guy. Quite primitive, which is why it gets so much attention. Sure, there's the whole battle to win the league, but there's also little battles within that big one.
It gives both teams an opportunity to fight for something other than the trophy: bragging rights. A psychological edge in the PSL means just as much as financial and physical ones.
Richards Bay will take confidence from their previous win over Durban and the fact that they have never lost to them this season. Still, on paper, everything points in one direction. Durban City are more balanced, confident and have been more consistent.
All the makings of an epic Sunday derby.
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