Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City were unable to return to the winning column in the Betway Premiership this weekend following a tense 0-0 draw at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Polokwane City were the more progressive side during the first 10 minutes of the match and actively searched for an opener early on. The likes of Oswin Appollis and Thato Letshedi were the creators-in-chief for their side as Gallants took a back step in defending their quarters.
At the other end of the pitch, Monde Mphambaniso and Daniel Msendami took the direct approach in an attempt to get their side into the game, and saw their shots from range gone begging. While Gallants saw more of the ball midway through the first-half, Polokwane City were left to deal with a number of nervy moments.
The chances kept coming for Gallants as the half came to a close, however, the home side were unable to make the most of their opportunities in the final third. As for Rise and Shine, Mokibelo Ramabu came close to opening the scoring in the 42nd minute after his right-footed effort struck the woodwork.
While Gallants ended the first-half on a high, Polokwane City made their intentions known after the restart. Lebohang Nkaki and Sibusiso Tshabalala created two notable scoring chances shortly before the hour-mark, however, Gallants sat tight in warding off Rise and Shine’s pressure.
Marumo played under the cosh for much of the second period and battled to progress the ball up field as a result of Polokwane City’s mounting pressure.
Polokwane City continued to pile on the pressure as the clock ran down at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, however, the travelling side struggled to make their chances stick at the attacking end of the pitch.
In what was a case of missed attempts for both sides throughout the 90 minutes, the scoreline remained at 0-0 at the end of the match.
Marumo Gallants 0
Polokwane City 0
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Khumalo, Rikhotso, Sikhosana, Mabotja (Chabatsane 84’) , Msendami (Prins 74’), Manaka, Mphambaniso, Mokobodi (Nhlapo 74’), Zindoga, Junior Dion (Mhango 61’)
Polokwane City: Sapunga, Ndlovu, Nkaki, Nikani, Makhubela, Kambala, Maphangule, Appollis, Letshedi, Ramabu (Goovadia 87’), Tshabalala (Dlamini 79’)