Kaizer Chiefs were left frustrated by a tight and nicely-organised Chippa United in both sides’ first league match of the season at an almost full to capacity – Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Chiefs, despite looking better when it comes to squad personnel in comparison to last season, dominated the game but did not trouble Chippa’s goalie Stanley Mwakali and his defence.
As the game ended in a goalless draw, Chiefs, whose fans packed up their alternative venue in the coastal city, were not given space and time by Morgan Mammila’s side.
Mammila remains unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup venue, having also defeated Chiefs last season in his first stint.
Striker Ranga Chivaviro, who was signed by Chiefs from Marumo Gallants, started up top supported by Christian Saile on the right and Mdu Shabalala on the left. But none of them got going to find a sight of goal.
Saile tried to force his way into the box but was clipped outside by Justice Chabalala but Nkosingiphile Ngcobo ballooned the follow-up free kick like a rugby fly half.
Chabalala again lost the ball cheaply in his half and Ngcobo lined up a long lob to catch up Mwakali, but it was not strong enough to nestle into the empty net.
Fans, as things were not coming into Amakhosi’s way, were all the time whistling, crying for changes but coach Molefi Ntseki, in his first foray, remained unmoved, especially with Saile, who they asked to be taken off.
Having watched their neighbours Orlando Pirates stunned by Stellenbosch FC on Saturday night, it was not opening for Chiefs to break down the stubborn Chilli Boys, who also struggled to get going on the other end.
But the Eastern Cape-based club would be the happier side with the point, looking at where they came from last season.
Chiefs will rue this for not taking advantage as the morale booster ahead of their big showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Unlike Chiefs, Sundowns, as much as they struggled against Sekhukhune United, were able to find a way to coast to a victory.
Wendell Robinson, who is Sundowns goalkeeper coach, was in the stands to see how Chiefs tactically were set up ahead of the clash that Sundowns has dominated with ease.
