Top 8 chase & relegation battle: KwaZulu-Natal clubs return to critical Premiership action

As the international break winds down, the spotlight shifts back to the domestic scene where KwaZulu-Natal’s premier clubs—AmaZulu, Golden Arrows, and Richards Bay—are all gearing up for a crucial set of fixtures in the Betway Premiership. 

With different objectives in mind, these teams are primed to return to action with renewed focus as the season heads toward its final stretch.

AmaZulu's performance this season has been a mixed bag, but as they return to action, they find themselves in a comfortable position of seventh, firmly within the top 8 realm, but not yet secure with seven games to go. 

Usuthu has shown resilience under coaches Arthur Zwane and the recently-departed Vusumuzi Vilakazi in recent months, with a solid midfield engine and enterprising attack that’s kept them competitive against some of the league’s best. 

With a top eight finish guaranteeing a spot in next season’s MTN8, AmaZulu’s focus will be to maintain their current form, avoid any slip-ups, and push for a stronger finish.

The guile of December arrival Bongani Zungu and midfielder Pule Ekstein (who’s also the club's joint top scorer ths season) have been central to their success, and the team will be relying on their experience to guide the younger players through the pressure of the final stretch. 

With only a few points separating the top eight and the chasing pack, AmaZulu cannot afford complacency, but their return after the break will be an opportunity to reaffirm their position in the league's upper echelons.

Arrows are also in hot pursuit of a top eight finish, but the road ahead is far from smooth as Kaizer Chiefs await them in their first fixture back.  

Currently sitting just outside the coveted spots in 10th, coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s men are hungry for a strong second-half of the season. Abafana Bes'thende have been a team of contrasts—brilliant in flashes, but often inconsistent when it matters most.

The break may have come at the right time for Arrows, allowing them to regroup and refocus on what has been a promising season overall. With key players like the ever-dangerous Knox Mutizwa and the robust Nqubeko Dlamini, they have the tools to turn the tide and climb up the table. 

At the other end of the table, Richards Bay's struggle is a fight for survival. With the spectre of relegation looming, the club needs to string together a series of positive results to stave off the drop. 

They currently sit in 11th on the table but are just three points off 15th placed SuperSport United so their fight is far from over.

Coach Papi Zothwane’s side has shown flashes of quality, with players like Yanela Mbuthuma and Tlakusani Mthethwa demonstrating potential that could be the key to turning their season around. 

The international break may have given them a much-needed breather to reassess their approach and get players back to full fitness. 

However, time is running out, and the Natal Rich Boys cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to maintain their Premiership status.