By Michael Madyira
Kaizer Chiefs put up an uninspiring display to draw 0-0 in their penultimate Premier Soccer League match of the season against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
It was a drab afternoon but Amakhosi ill be happy that they remained eighth on the log.
Thanks to Golden Arrows’ 1-1 draw with Cape Town Spurs, as well as Chippa United sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw away at Royal AM, Chiefs remain with a chance of a top-eight finish.
That makes the final day of the season a sink or swim round for both the Soweto giants as well as Polokwane, who remain ninth on the table, wanting to secure an MTN8 berth for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
In a surprise selection, Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson benched Itumeleng Khune on a day the veteran goalkeeper was honoured and was expected to start.
Although a lot was at stake on the field, it was a rather low-key afternoon with the ground almost empty.
Venezuela international Edson Castillo was back for Chiefs who were missing the suspended trio of Brandon Petersen, Edmilson Dove and Pule Mmodi.
Mozambique midfielder Mauel Kambala was also suspended for the visitors from Limpopo.
Chances came few and far between both sides in the first half and they did not look keen to secure an MTN8 spot for next season.
The start of the second half was even more pedestrian with few forays upfront by both teams.
But Polokwane spurned what was the golden chance of the match on 58 minutes when Hlayisi Chauke arrived a shade too late to slide in a low cross from Tlou Nkwe.
Then it was Amakhosi’s who missed a chance after Christian Basomboli Saile lacked the speed to connect a cross from Happy Mashiane.
Khune was introduced in the 75th minute in what was Chiefs’ last home game of the season.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay remained 15th on the standings following a 3-1 defeat by Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium.
The result saw City climbing one place to number six on the log while the Natal Rich Boyz are set to play in the relegation/promotion playoffs.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs defender Sifiso Hlanti controls the ball in front of Polokwane City forward Mokibelo Ramabu
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
