Siwelele's winless streak continues after goalless draw with Richards Bay

While the result brought an end to Siwelele's three-match losing streak, it extended their winless run to four games since their opening day victory over Golden Arrows.

Head coach Lehlohonolo Seema made several changes to his starting lineup, bringing back Ricardo Goss, Grant Margeman and Lyle Lakay following the defeat to TS Galaxy. Richards Bay, meanwhile, gave starts to Mfundo Thikazi and Lindokuhle Mtshali after their midweek win over Chippa United, though match-winner Gabadinho Mhango started on the bench.

The hosts began brightly and carved out a couple of early chances. Thabo Makhele and Siviwe Magidigidi both found themselves unmarked in the box but failed to convert promising headers within the opening 20 minutes. Magidigidi's miss in particular, from six yards out after a pinpoint cross from Ghampani Lungu, summed up Siwelele's lack of clinical edge in front of goal.

Richards Bay offered little in terms of sustained attacking pressure in the first half but did come close through Thabani Zuke, whose first-time effort from the edge of the box forced a sharp save from Goss. The teams went into the break deadlocked, despite Siwelele enjoying the bulk of possession and territory.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Siwelele continuing to press while the visitors remained dangerous on the counter. Lyle Lakay had arguably the best chance of the match in the 65th minute, but his shot was dramatically cleared off the line by Zuke, who put in a man-of-the-match performance for the Natal Rich Boyz. Minutes later, Tlakusani Mthethwa tested Goss with a stinging shot, but the Siwelele keeper was equal to the task.

In search of a breakthrough, Siwelele handed a debut to new signing Tebogo Potsane and later introduced South Africa U-20 international Thabang Mahlangu. The youngster nearly made an immediate impact, but his late header in the 84th minute was well saved by Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola.

Despite the flurry of substitutions and half-chances at both ends, neither side could find the winner, with both defences standing firm.

The draw sees Siwelele climb to 11th on the log but leaves them still searching for a second win of the season. They will hope the upcoming FIFA break provides a reset ahead of their trip to Durban City on September 16.

Richards Bay, now unbeaten in two matches, remain in 13th place and will host TS Galaxy on September 17 as they look to build momentum.

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