Kaizer Chiefs held by Polokwane as Mathebula denies visitors in goalless draw

Kaizer Chiefs, who remain third on the table with 46 points from 24 matches, will feel they had the better openings, particularly through Makabi Lilepo and Mduduzi Shabalala. However, Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula produced several important saves to keep his side level.

The first half saw a steady tempo with half-chances at both ends. Chiefs threatened early when Lilepo forced a save from distance, while Shabalala tested Mathebula twice before the break. At the other end, Mokibelo Ramabu came closest for Polokwane, drawing a fine save from Brandon Petersen with a long-range effort.

After the restart, the match opened up. Polokwane pushed forward through Juan Mutudza, whose header was comfortably saved by Petersen, while Chiefs responded with efforts from Lilepo and Sphiwe Msimango that failed to find the target.

Both sides made attacking changes in the second half, with Chiefs introducing Gaston Sirino and Khanyisa Mayo, but the breakthrough never arrived. Polokwane substitute Raymond Daniels also had a late effort blocked as the hosts searched for a winner.

Late chances came and went, including a long-range attempt from Msimango in stoppage time that sailed over, summing up a frustrating afternoon for both teams.

Polokwane City, now seventh with 34 points, will take positives from a disciplined defensive display, while Chiefs may reflect on missed opportunities in a match where sharper finishing could have secured all three points.

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