Kaizer Chiefs’ are yet to register a victory in the 2018-19 PSL campaign after being held to a 0-0 draw against a ten-man Maritzburg United outfit on Friday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Maritzburg United host Kaizer Chiefs in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday evening.
The Team of Choice will look to register their first victory of the season, having lost their opening two PSL clashes to Golden Arrows and Free State Stars respectively.
Giovanni Solinas’ side are also in search of their first victory of the season, after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits, while playing to a 1-1 draw against Baroka in their most recent clash.
The clash got off to a lively start with both sides wanting to draw first blood as soon as possible.
The complexion of the clash changed in the 15th minute when the home side were reduced to ten-men after midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu was shown a straight red card for an over-the-ball challenge on defender Siyabonga Ngezana.
Maritzburg altered their shape up a bit with Keletso Makgalwa being dropped into the midfield to thwart the attack of the Chiefs midfield.
Chiefs failed to properly utilise their numerical advantage and proved wasteful particularly through efforts from Khama Billiat and Hendrick Ekstein.
The visitors emerged with more of a clear attacking intent in the second stanza, but were left frustrated due to resilient defending from the likes of Rushine De Reuck and Siyanda Xulu.
Maritzburg made the first change of the game when Mohau Mokate replaced Belgian forward Fileccia. Chiefs followed suite soon after when Ryan Moon replaced Kabel Mahlasela.
The visitors gradually become more panicky as the clash progressed, while the home side began to look more at ease.
Defender Daniel Cardoso came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in fine fashion, but his 35-yeard scorcher went inches wide of the post.
Solinas opted for an all-out attack as he replaced defender Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya with Siphiwe Tshabalala, while Davids looked to secure the point as he replaced Keagan Buchanan with defender Denwin Farmer.
Tshabalala almost made an immediate impact when he forced a fine save from Richard Ofori with a rasping left footed foot.
In the end, neither side were able to break the deadlock as both sides continue their search for their fiorst victory of the season.
