Stellenbosch FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership match played at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban, on Saturday afternoon.
The result sees the Maroons remain in third place on the log, seven points adrift of the pace set by leaders Orlando Pirates, while the Natal Rich Boyz remain in 10th spot.
Not the result Stellies were after at the King Zwelithini Stadium 👀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 26, 2024
It's just a point which could cost them against their rivals this weekend ⚽#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/o2CXQyHWlW
Richards Bay created the early pressure and forced Stellenbosch onto the back foot, though the visiting defence stood firm against a series of corner kicks around the 10th minute.
The Cape side then had their first sight of goal just past the midway point of the first half, as Kyle Jurgens struck an effort direct from a free kick just wide of the target, after Chumani Butsaka was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard area.
On 36 minutes Bay created a great chance to claim the lead, but Yanela Mbuthuma was denied at close range by an excellent save from Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Bay made a double change at the start of the second, replacing Justice Figuareido and Thando Buthelezi with Thulani Gumede and Thabiso Kutumela.
Kutumela had the next scoring chance of the match, striking on target from just outside the box in the 56th minute, but Stephens was again equal to the task.
The Maroons sent on the likes of Sanele Barns, Omega Mdaka, Khomotjo Lekoloane and Genino Palace in an attempt to spark their attack to life, and on 76 minutes Mdaka saw his long-range shot saved by Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
However, Stellenbosch were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute when Jayden Adams received two yellow cards in quick succession and was sent for an early shower.
The Natal Rich Boyz looked to make the most of their numerical advantage in what remained of the game, but the visitors were able to hold out and see the game end in a stalemate.
The teams will return to Betway Premiership action this coming midweek, with Richards Bay away to Sekhukhune United on Tuesday, 29 October, and Stellenbosch at home to Marumo Gallants on Thursday, 31 October.
Richards Bay 0
Stellenbosch FC 0
Bay: Otieno, Mabuya, Allan, Ndaba, Mabua, Mthethwa, Mthembu, Ntsundwana (Conco 72’), Figuareido (Gumede 46’), Buthelezi (Kutumela 46’), Mbuthuma (Sibanyoni 90+’1)
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Jurgens, Moloisane, Toure, Basadien (Nduli 86’), Butsaka (Palace 72’), Jabaar (Mdaka 71’), Titus, Adams, Phili (Barns 62’), Cupido (Lekoloane 71’)