Kenyan international Ovella Ochieng made his much-awaited debut as Richards Bay fell 2-0 to reigning South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League.The former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder signed for the team back in mid-December after parting ways with Township Rollers from Botswana in August after being deemed surplus to requirements following close to a year with the club.Kenyan international ruled out of weekend English FA Cup actionDespite this being his second stint in South Africa after being signed by Marumo Gallants back in 2021 but failed to notch a single minute under his belt following the sacking of Sebastián Migne who he also worked under at Harambee Stars, Ovella finally made his debut in the South African league.Fellow Kenyan international Brian Mandela who turns out for Sundowns, however, missed the matchday squad as he is still ruled out with a knee injury that has kept him out since last year.##NAJAVA_MECA_6929187##After a slow start to the game, Sundowns finally found their grove in the 39th minute when Cassius Mailula opened the scoring for his fifth goal of the season.Richards Bay came out strong in the second half buoyed by the double substitutions but Sundowns doubled their lead against the run of play when Domingo Haashim pounced on a parried ball by the keeper to tap the it into the net from close range.Ovella was introduced in the 84th minute in place of Somila Ntsundwana as Richards Bay hope to get something from the game by introducing a fresh pair of legs.Former Gor Mahia fitness coach finds new home in TanzaniaThe Rich Boys continued to press for an equalizer but were denied a penalty on two occasions as they suffered the 2-0 loss.Victory means that Sundowns have now opened up a 10-point gap at the summit of the log as Richards Bay remain third momentarily with teams below them yet to play.
