Kaizer Chiefs missed out on the top eight in the Betway Premiership following a goalless draw with Polokwane City on Saturday afternoon.
Four changes for Chiefs from the draw with Sekhukhune United saw Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Mduduzi Shabalala and Tashreeq Morris restored to the starting line-up.
Morris looked to make an impact on his return through a snap shot from the area following Wandile Duba’s assist, but the visitors cleared their lines.
The Chiefs forward enjoyed another chance ten minutes later with a free header right inside the six-yard box, but he couldn’t get the better of Brian Bwire.
Rise and Shine came on strong moments afterwards and enjoyed a succession of promising chances through Bonginkosi Dlamini and Surprise Manthosi.
Chiefs overcame the onslaught and were denied the lead as a header outside the area by Edmilson Dove following a cross by Maart clattered the upright.
The Amakhosi, however, turned to the substitutes bench four minutes before halftime and saw Ashley Du Preez come on for Morris in a tactical change.
City made a positive start in the second period, with Dlamini coming close once again off a delivery by Ndamulelo Maphangule, but he fluffed his lines.
Substitute Du Preez looked to fire the host ahead through a clever effort from a tight angle around the area, but he was denied by Bwire.
The Amakhosi continued to battle away in the hope of the elusive opener, but struggled to penetrate the visitors defence and rattle the back of the net.
Chiefs still had the lion share of chances towards full-time, but continued to fire blanks as the result denied them yet another top eight appearance for the second season in a row.
Confirmed line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross, Dove, Miguel, Solomons, Mthethwa, Maart, Lilepo, Duba, Shabalala, Morris
Subs: Ntwari, McCarthy, Zwane, Castillo, Ngcobo, Sirino, Vilakazi, Du Preez, Chivaviro
Polokwane City: Okoth, Manthosi, Ndlovu, Nikani, Nkaki, Kambala, Maphangule, Dlamini, Raphadu, Letshedi, Ramabu
Subs: Mathebula, Motsa, Gwanqa, Ngwenya, Batlhabane, Ramushu, Goovadia, Makhubela, Ntamane
