Gallants and Richards Bay fire blanks in Bloem

Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay failed to get back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership this weekend after the two sides shared the spoils in a tense 0-0 draw at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.

Gallants looked lively during the opening exchanges of the match as Thapelo Mokobodi and Gabadinho Mhango threatened early on.

The Gallants duo recorded the first couple of attempts on goal while Richards Bay were forced to play on the back foot during the first 10 minutes.

Mhango proved to be the attacker-in-chief for his side midway through the first half and attempted to test the Richards Bay goalkeeper from range in the 23rd minute.

While his attempt was blocked, Gallants continued to press the issue in search of an opener.

The Natal Rich Boyz often battled to get a foothold in the game leading up to the halftime whistle and manufactured just three shots at goal with 40 minutes on the clock.

Richards Bay looked to trouble the Gallants backline down the left wing with Somila Ntsundwana as their main outlet.

However, Gallants sat tight and ended the half as the more progressive outfit.

It was more of the same for Gallants soon after the restart as the Bloemfontein side actively searched to get ahead on the scorecard.

While Mhango pressed the issue in the first half, Daniel Msendami followed suit in the second 45 with a right-footed shot outside the area in the 54th minute.

The Natal Rich Boys recorded a flurry of attempts at goal after the hour-mark as the likes of Thabiso Kutumela and Moses Mthembu showcased attacking impetus for their side who have been battling for much of the encounter.

Following the introduction of Justice Figuareido, Richards Bay looked fluid going forward but battled to make their chances stick in the final third.

However, Gallants continued to hold more of the ball en-route to the 85th minute.

Nevertheless, there was little to separate the two sides during the closing stages of the match as the referee called time at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium with the score level at 0-0.

Marumo Gallants: (0) 0

Richards Bay: (0) 0

Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Khumalo, Msendami, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Manaka, Nemtajela, Mathiane, Mokobodi (Monde 84’), Mahlatsi (Dhludhlu 74’), Mhango (Khumalo 84’)

Richards Bay: Salim, Ndaba, Mcineka, Allan, Mabuya, Mthethwa, Mthembu, Ntsundwana (Figuareido 73’), Zikhali (Kutumela 56’), Gumede (Mabua 94’), Mbuthuma