DStv Premiership match report Maritzburg United v Swallows FC 12 August 2022

Maritzburg United extended their winless run in the DStv Premiership to three matches after battling to a goalless draw against Swallows FC on Friday evening.

King Ndlovu, Bonginkosi Makume, Bongani Sam, Brandon Theron and Given Mashikinyawere the only Maritzburg players to retain their spots from loss to Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, while Darrel Matsheke, on-loan from Kaizer Chiefs, made his for the Dube Birds.

The Team of Choice looked for a fast start in the earlier minutes from moves on the byline by Sam and third-man runs around the area by Siboniso Conco, Leletu Skelem and Theron, but the away side did well to thwart all early attempts.

The home side's early presurre nearly paid off on the half-hour mark where Skelem stung goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa's gloves from a tight angle.

Swallows came alive in the last three minutes before halftime and a free header in the area from Givemore Khupe forced a fine save out of goalkeeper Ndlovu.

Scroll through the gallery to see how Sundowns' PSL-winning streak compares to the world's best

Premier League (England) – Manchester United (3 in a row) – 1998/99; 1999/00; 2000/01 & 2006/07; 2007/08; 2008/09 (Premier League era only)

LaLiga (Spain) – Real Madrid (5 in a row) – 1961/62; 1962/63; 1963/64; 1964/65; 1965/66 & 1985/86; 1986/87; 1987/88; 1988/89; 1989/90

Bundesliga (Germany) – Bayern Munich (10 in a row) – 2012/13; 2013/14; 2014/15; 2015/16; 2016/17; 2017/18; 2018/19; 2019/20; 2020/21; 2021/22

Serie A (Italy) – Juventus (9 in a row) – 2010/11; 2011/12; 2012/13; 2013/14; 2014/15; 2015/16; 2016/17; 2017/18; 2018/19

Ligue 1 (France) – Olympique Lyonnais (7 in a row) – 2001/02; 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06; 2006/07; 2007/08

Primeira Liga (Portugal) – FC Porto (5 in a row) – 1994/95; 1995/96; 1996/97; 1997/98; 1998/99

Eredivisie (Netherlands) – PSV Eindhoven (4 in a row) – 1985/86; 1986/87; 1987/88; 1988/89 & 2004/05; 2005/06; 2006/07; 2007/08 – shared with Ajax Amsterdam (also 4 in a row)

Brasileirão (Brazil) – Santos (5 in a row) – 1961; 1962; 1963; 1964; 1965

Primera División (Mexico) – Guadalajara (4 in a row) – 1958/59; 1959/60; 1960;61; 1961/62

Premier Liga (Russia) – Spartak Moscow (6 in a row) – 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999; 2000; 2001

Scroll through the gallery to see how Mamelodi Sundowns' five-season DStv Premiership streak compares with the best in the world

There was movement from the substitutes bench at the resumption, with Swallows bringing on Tlakusani Mthethwa for Matsheke.

The introduction didn't bother Maritzburg's pursuit to the elusive opener, as Brian Hlongwa headed a floating ball from a free-kick over the top moments thereafter.

John Maduka's men showcased more threats midway following the second half and missed a glorious chance when Skelem snapped a cutback into the area way over the top.

Swallows remained on the back-foot towards the latter stages, whilst United added more firepower from the dugout in Friday Samu for Genino Palace.

The Team of Choice battled and battled for the breakthrough as full-time approached, but came unstuck as the Dube Birds instead forced a goalless draw.

Confirmed line-ups:

Maritzburg United: Ndlovu, Makume, Hlongwa, Mashikinya, Sam, Theron, Moloisane, Skelem, Kimvuidi, Conco, Palace.

Subs: Leaner, Monomodi, Masia, Samu, Macheke, Human, Van Der Ross, Baloyi, Njoti

Swallows: Swallows: Mbanjwa, Lukhubeni, Sasman, Sait, Khupe, Letlabika, Matsheke, L.Mtshali, Patjie, Isaacs, S.Mtshali.

Subs: Ngobeni, Mvelase, Malinga, Allan, Lesakom Amoojee, Damons, Khumalo, Mthethwa