Kaizer Chiefs resumed their DStv Premiership campaign with a goalless draw away to Royal AM on Sunday afternoon.
Highly-rated youngster Mfundo Vilakazi, who starred for the Carling All Stars early last month, was named on the Amakhosi bench after earning promotion to the first-team during the recess.
The Amakhosi were under pressure earlier on and needed a strong save by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma to keep Thabo Matlaba’s rasping shot from a free-kick well at bay.
Chiefs got a clearer chance though where a ball in-behind sent Ashley Du Preez one-on-one with goalkeeper Hugo Nyame, but he disappointingly lobbed over the target.
Thwihli Thwahla showed courage in spite of the Amakhosi’s threats and missed the glorious chance when Khulekani Shezi went wide off the head following a telling delivery.
However, the Amakhosi enjoyed a strong end to the half and saw Sisifo Hlanti nestle the upright with a powerful shot that ricochet back into play.
The Amakhosi should’ve gone in front past halftime from a decent effort by Christian Saile Basomboli as the defence lost sight, but the Congolese forward fired over.
Chiefs continued to have the lion share of chances a little later notably through Reeve Frosler, whilst a change saw Keagan Dolly come on to replace Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
John Maduka’s men remained resolute on all fronts especially in defence, as the Amakhosi battled to get an opening with Nyame stuffing out when needed to do so.
Both teams continued to battle away before the end in search of the winner, but were unable to break clear and goalless it finished in Pietermaritzburg.
Confirmed line-ups:
Royal AM:Royal AM: Nyame, Mabuza, Jiyane, Shezi, Matlaba, Mahlasela, Dlamini, Magaqa, Masuku, Maxwele, Macuphu
Subs: Mpoto, Sera, Msomi, Mashiane, Thikazi, Ndlovu, Sithole, Sikakane, Cele
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Hlanti, Njabulo Ngcobo, Msimango, Frosler, Maart, Castillo, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Du Preez, Salie
Subs: Petersen, Kwinika, Mthethwa, Mashiane, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Dolly, Duba, Gonzalez
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