Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu played out to a goalless draw in their DStv Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Chiefs came into the game in 10th place while AmaZulu were in third – looking to put themselves at the top of the table with three points at the Calabash.
Njabulo Blom was a notable omission, amid the talk of a contract standoff over his wage demands, while Keagan Dolly, who’s struggled for form of late, dropped to the bench.
But the opening half hour saw the home side create the bulk of the chances with some swift attacking play, bar Dillan Solomons’ penalty miss and Khama Billiat not beating Veli Mothwa after going clean through on goal, Amakhosi should have held a comfortable lead early on.
Usuthu, who were spared for Chiefs’ lack of cutting edge went on to grow into the game with Gabadinho Mhango and Keagan Buchanan central figures to their attacks but Chiefs, led by Khune in goals held firm and limited their chances to long-range efforts.
In the second half Zwane’s troops went close to opening the scoring with George Matlou nearly sneaking one past Veli Mothwa, while Sifiso Hlanti saw a rasping effort from range palmed away from the Bafana Bafana stopper.
There was a debut for Burundi international striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, who was introduced for Ashley du Preez after 70 minutes and it clearly got the home supporters excited with every touch earning applause for their newest recruit.
With the spoils shared, AmaZulu moved up to second, while Royal AM moved to the summit of the league after their 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Mfundo Thikazi scored a brace.
Meanwhile Chiefs remained in 10th with seven points in six games with two wins, one draw and three defeats to start off their 2022/23 league campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Solomons, Ngcobo, Kwinika, Hlanti; Matlou, Maart, Sithebe (Ngcobo 81′); Du Preez (Bimenyimana 70′), Sekgota, Billiat (Dolly 81′).
AmaZulu: Mothwa; Sikhakhane, Gumede, Mobara, Hanamub, Buchanan, Makhaula, Maluleka (Kunene 73′), Kwem, Ntuli (Majoro 64′), Mhango (Zuma 87′).
Mabiliso Opens Up On Chiefs Exit
