There was no separating Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City in the most recent instalment of the Limpopo Derby in the Betway Premiership this weekend as the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.
In summary, both sides battled to break the deadlock throughout the 90 minutes, while a spate of unsuccessful long-range efforts left fans frustrated in Polokwane.
Following a largely timid start to the match, it was Polokwane City who had the first sniff at goal in the 11th minute after Manuel Kambala’s right-footed effort from some 35 yards was saved by Renaldo Leaner in goal.
Babina Noko struggled to create any notable scoring chances midway through the first half, while Polokwane City’s Banele Mnguni attempted a shot from outside the area in the 27th minute that ultimately failed to do damage.
Rise and Shine continued to see openings in the Sekhukhune backline with the likes of Bonginkosi Dlamini and Bulelani Nikani registering attempts inside the box to no effect. On the back of a rapid end to the half, largely due to Polokwane City’s pressure, the game ended 0-0 at the break.
With urgency in their step, Sekhukhune cranked up their attacking pressure at the restart, while Vuyo Letlapa and Lehlogonolo Mojela took the direct route to their opposing numbers with efforts just outside the area. As Polokwane City sat back in warding off the early pressure, Babina Noko actively searched for an opener after the halftime team talk.
After being introduced as a substitute, the experienced Puleng Marema looked to inject urgency in his side’s gameplay, with Polokwane City registering yet another shot from distance that went wide.
Rise and Shine goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula was called into action in the 74th minute after Vuyo Letlapa’s shot on the edge of the 18-yard area as Sekhukhune showcased their attacking intent during the closing stages of the match.
Sekhukhune ended the match on a stronger note than their opponents but failed to make the most of their opportunities as the game ended in a frustrating draw.
Sekhukhune: (0) 0
Polokwane (0) 0
Sekhukhune: Leaner, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa, Khiba (Mkhize 75’), Monare, Mncube (Mokoane 36’), Mashiloane (Mogaila 61’), Mojela, Makgalwa (Diomande 75’), Ndlovu, Grobler
Polokwane: Mathebula, Matuludi, Nikani, Mvundela (Manthosi 58’), Nkwe, Mnguni (Marema 46’), Maphangule (Batlhabane 81’), Kambala, Dlamini, Ramabu (Daniels 81’), Tshikweta