Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC played out a goalless stalemate in their final Betway Premiership match of the season, held at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A seventh successive draw was enough for Bahlabane ba Ntwa to secure outright survival in the top flight, as they finished in 14th place – one point above the relegation playoff zone – while the Maroons came home in ninth, missing out on the slim chance they had of finishing in the top eight.
Gallants were the more proactive team through the first half, creating a good chance for Msindisi Kunene in the 10th minute, as he beat Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens to a teasing ball from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo but his lob drifted wide of the target.
Ten minutes later the hosts found the back of the via a Jaisen Clifford finish at close range, but the effort was ruled out for offside – a very marginal decision, according to the television replays – while the midway point of the half saw defender Mbhazima Rikhotso glance a header wide after meeting a corner kick.
Stellenbosch began to find their attacking rhythm late in the first half, though their only notable effort was a low drive from Langelihle Phili in the final minute of regulation time which was easily handled by Gallants goalkeeper Kagisho Mlambo.
The Maroons had the first chance after the restart, with Devin Titus driving an effort on target in the 50th minute, but Mlambo once again was well placed to make the save.
Nine minutes later Gallants should have gone ahead, with Kunene stealing the ball high up the field and needing only to square for Clifford to have a tap-in, but instead he drove forward and was dispossessed by a combination of a recovering defender and Stephens.
That chance summed up a frustrating afternoon for the attacking players on the pitch, with the match ultimately ending in a stalemate that was exactly what Gallants required to ensure their Premiership status for another season.
Marumo Gallants 0
Stellenbosch FC 0
Gallants: Mlambo, Khumalo, Nhlapo, Rikhotso (Sikhosana 46’), Ntiya-Ntiya, Mbhele, Doumbia, Mabuza (Mhlongo 90+1’), Ndlondlo, Kunene, Clifford (Sithole 81’)
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Enyinnaya, Moloisane, Lebusa, Mdaka, Andrieas, Palace (Mcaba 67’), Titus (Mabasa 67’), Butsaka (April 81’), Phili, Cupido (Makhubu 81’)