Kenyan international Ovella Ochieng’ missed his potential first match upon his return to South Africa as he was not included in the Richards Bay matchday squad that took on Swallows at the King Zwelithini Stadium in their league match played on Friday evening.Despite his absence, the high flying Richards Bay managed to seal all the three points as they recorded a 1-0 victory to momentarily jump upto second place on the log just five points behind reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 #DStvPrem ⚽️Richards Bay 1️⃣-0️⃣ Swallows FC 🥅Tshepo Mabau’11(p)🕒 90 minutes #NatalRichBoyZ pic.twitter.com/sCpA5LKs1A— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) December 31, 2022 In the low scoring encounter, Tsepo Wilson Mabua’s eleventh minute penalty strike was all that was needed to seal all the three points as Richards Bay resolutely defended their narrow lead to see out the match.Ovella completed his return to South Africa mid December following his unceremonious exit from Marumo Gallants back in January.##NAJAVA_MECA_6916339##Being a free agent after parting ways with Township Rollers from Botswana, Ovella was free to join any club despite majority of the transfer windows across the world being closed.Richards Bay earned their promotion to the top tier last term after winning the National First Division having suffered only four defeats all season.2022 Tennis Review: Sensational Angella Okutoyi puts Kenya on the global map, pumps life into sportBefore his move to Richards Bay, the former Kariobangi Sharks winger was linked with a move to free spending Kenya Police FC after he was spotted in the club’s training.Ovella left Gallants back in January without making a single competitive appearance following the sacking of former Harambee Stars head coach Sébastien Migné who was then incharge of the club.Migné played a huge role in Ovella joining Gallants with the change at the helm of the club affecting his chances of appearing as he was shown the door in August but the winger rushed to FIFA for unlawful dismissal.Shujaa ace Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno rejoins Kenya 7s squadThe former Vasalund midfielder won the case as Gallants were ordered by world football governing body, FIFA to pay Kenyan international Ovella Ochieng R428,817 (around Ksh.2,911,000).
