They are now 11 points off top spot, having played the same number of games as leaders Orlando Pirates, and could have moved into third place with a victory that, in truth, never looked likely in a toothless display.
It was one of three games on the night as we look at the main talking points from each of them.
Richards Bay go close
Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was making just his second start of the season and could perhaps be excused for some rustiness. He should have dealt better with Sanele Barns’ 35-yard shot, though, as he pushed it into the path of Lundi Mahala, who had the goal at his mercy but steered the ball wide of the far post.
Home side lead
Richards Bay did take the lead in the 69th minute after breaking from their own box. When Bradley Cross, drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Inacio Miguel, missed his clearance, Barns drove towards the area and squared for Thulani Gumede to score his first goal of the season.
The 24-year-old had last found the net in a 2-0 win over SuperSport United in May last year.
Chiefs in freefall
Chiefs’ season has unravelled since the start of February. They have effectively fallen out of three competitions after five defeats in six matches (W1), slipping out of contention in the Betway Premiership title race and exiting both the CAF Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup.
It is now four defeats in a row in all competitions, the last thing the technical team needed after a heavy loss in the Soweto Derby this past weekend. It is the first time the side have lost four consecutive games since the end of the 2022/23 season.
Rockets put into Orbit
Struggling Orbit College defeated TS Galaxy 2-1 in a vital boost to their survival hopes. They are now six points ahead of bottom side Magesi FC, although they have played two games more, and sit three points clear of Marumo Gallants in the relegation play-off position.
Orbit took the lead through Gomolemo Khoto, who scored his first-ever top-flight goal, before veteran Lesedi Kapinga made it 2-0 with his first strike for the club.
Galaxy pulled one back through 19-year-old forward Siphamandla Ngwenya, who had already announced himself with a debut goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup Last 16.
For Orbit, it was a first win in 10 matches (D2 L7) and potentially a turning point in their campaign.
Points shared
Stellenbosch picked up another point in their push up the table as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Siwelele, who created the better chances and probably should have won the game.
There is a reason, however, why Siwelele are the lowest scorers in the league, with just 10 goals in 19 matches this season, they struggle to convert opportunities.
It is a fifth draw in six league games for the Bloemfontein side, and perhaps one of those matches where both teams accept a point, though Stellenbosch missed the chance to climb into the top eight.