By Michael Madyira
Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane was left with a lot to ponder after watching his side fail to capitalise in the 0-0 draw with TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.
Galaxy played the final 34 minutes of this Premier Soccer League encounter with a man down following a red card to defender Marks Munyai as they recorded their 11th draw of the campaign.
But Chiefs could not make use of their extra man as the hosts frustrated them, relentlessly seizing control of possession in the second half.
It was a missed opportunity by fifth-placed Chiefs to boost their bid to play in Africa next season by removing Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates from fourth spot on the table.
Amakhosi fired blanks all afternoon and could not find a breakthrough against opponents who are only five points better than basement side Marumo Gallants.
The hosts were playing their third straight league match at home and coach Sead Ramovic maintained the lineup that started in the 4-0 hammering of Golden Arrows seven days earlier.
Amakhosi were the first to come close when Galaxy goalkeeper Vasilije Kolak denied Keagan Dolly with a beautiful save 11 minutes into the contest.
Dolly then released Ashley du Preez who shot wide with only Kolak to beat. Kolak was back again towards halftime to save a fine shot from Sifiso Hlanti.
Chiefs then got some numerical advantage when Munyai was sent for an early shower 10 minutes after the break.
The dreadlocked defender was sanctioned for a dangerous tackle that ended the game for Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, who was replaced by Christian Saile Basomboli.
Ivorian striker Djakaridja Traore then almost punished Chiefs for some shambolic defending but was stopped by Edmilson Dove while getting closer to beating Brandon Petersen in goal for Amakhosi.
With 18 minutes remaining, Siyethemba Sithebe’s well-struck shot flew just over the bar.
The Soweto giants had taken control of the game, dominating the exchanges but resorted to long shots, with Yusuf Maart also attempting from outside the box.
Pictured above: Chiefs’ Dolly takes on Galaxy’s Sphiwe Mahlangu
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
