Kaizer Chiefs returned to the top half of the Betway Premiership standings on Saturday after having the better of a 0-0 draw at fellow mid-table club Chippa United.

The visitors had more goal attempts, more shots on target, and more possession in eastern coastal city Gqeberha, but failed to score for the fourth time in five league matches.

Chiefs also had more support in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as they remain the most popular club in the country despite last lifting a trophy in 2015.

Their hopes of winning the Premiership have long gone, leaving an Cup final clash with Orlando Pirates on May 10 as the last chance this season to end the barren run.

Finishing in the top half of the league carries special significance as it qualifies the eight clubs for an early season knockout competition worth 10 million rand ($530,000) to the winners.

Chiefs, who have won a record 53 domestic trophies, lie eighth. Chippa, Chiefs and AmaZulu all have 30 points entering the closing rounds and are separated by goal difference.

READ: Chiefs out to shock Pirates again

Elsewhere, Ngoanamello Rammala and Daniel Cardoso scored their first Premiership goals this season to give Sekhukhune United a 2-0 local derby win over Polokwane City.

While the title rests between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, third-placed Sekhukhune hold a two-point lead over Stellenbosch in the chase for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

Ivorian Junior Dion netted for Marumo Gallants as they moved five points away from the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows in Bloemfontein.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images