Bay retain PSL status with Ntsundwana scoring a brace as they thrash Baroka

Somila Ntsundwana stole the show with a well-taken brace as Richards Bay retained their position in the DStv Premiership with a 4-0 victory over hapless Baroka FC in the final Premier Soccer League promotion-relegation playoff on Wednesday.

Bay always looked the better team of the three teams contesting these playoffs. Motsepe Foundation Championship sides Baroka and Pretoria University struggled to match the Rich Boys as they both lost at Umlazi and could only draw when they hosted them.

In the end, Bay scored six goals, conceded one and bagged eight points against Tuks's five and Baroka's two as they ensure they'll still be campaigning in the big time for the third successive season. 

Bay's big striker Ntsundwana, who also scored a winner against Tuks at the same venue, opened the scoring for Vusumuzi Vilakazi's charges in the 37th minute at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi with a beautiful half-volley after receiving a good supply pass from strike partner Yanela Mbuthuma.

The gangling striker completed his brace in the 62nd minute, placing his shot far from the reach of the diving Baroka keeper Katlego Molefe after being put through. 

Sanele Barns, who is leaving Bay to join Stellenbosch FC next season, signed off in style, his free kick deflected two minutes before the interval. 

Right-back Lwandile Mabuya completed the rout with a tap-in in the 85th minute as the home side took advantage of a by then demoralised Baroka. 

The Limpopo side struggled in the play-offs after changing coach Dan Malesela for Morgan Mammila soon after their narrow first playoff loss against Tuks.

Mammila could only manage two defeats and a draw as his side failed to notch up the required goals and points to make a challenge to gain promotion.