Royal AM remain without a win in the Betway Premiership following a goalless draw with Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal derby on Tuesday night.
Chairman Andile Mpisane was named in the starting line-up for the third straight game, while John Maduka handed a recall to Lesotho international Motebang Sera.
The home side looked lively early on and they were presented with the first real opening after ten minutes when defender Sbangani Zulu heading over the crossbar after Richards Bay failed to clear their lines.
Royal AM did the double over the Natal Rich Boys last season, scoring three goals in this fixture but Maduka's charges looked fresh out of ideas in the first half as they struggled to create chances.
Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter was forced to make a change five minutes before the interval as striker Somaila Ntsundwana was forced off and replaced by Justice Figareido in the attack.
After a disappointing first half, Maduka made a double change for Royal AM after the break as chairman Mpisane made way for striker Sedwyn George while Sabelo Sithole replaced Sabelo Radebe in midfield.
The hosts got their first big chance after the break when Sera was slipped through on goal, but the Lesotho international was thwarted by the on-rushing Otieno in the box.
The Natal Rich Boys nearly got the breakthrough with 15 minutes left on the clock when Yanela Mbuthuma rose above his marker to meet a cross from the left but his towering header was saved by goalkeeper Zakahle Ngcobo.
In the end, neither side were able to find the breakthrough as Royal AM register a third a draw in a row while Richards Bay pick up their first draw.
Here's how they line up:
Royal AM: Ngcobo, Manganyi, Zulu, Shezi, Matlaba, Magaqa, Mpisane, Mahlasela, Maxwele, Sithole, Sera
Subs: Mpoto, Jiyane, Msoimi, Gumede, Ndlovu, Cele, Sithole, Mbhele, George
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Mabua, Allan, Mcnieka, Mhlongo, Conco, Mthethwa, Mbuthuma, Ndelu, Ntsundwana
Subs: Magoola, Kutumela, Mohlamme, Mthembu, Figareido, T. Dube, Sibanyoni, Buthelezi, S. Dube