Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a goalless draw in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at the Johannesburg Stadium on Sunday. The game failed to ignite from the onset and left more questions than answers when the final whistle blew.
One questionable decision was the selection by Swallows coach Gavin Hunt of a clearly unfit Cecil Oerson in the starting line-up. The midfielder limped throughout the first half and was replaced early in the second half.
Swallows, coming off a midweek loss to Ajax Cape Town in the Telkom Knockout competition, looked a side out of sorts and failed to trouble Celtic goalkeeper Postnet Omony.
Celtic, on the other hand, tested Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafie — albeit only on one occasion — when defender Timothy Batabaire’s header forced a save.
Hunt, whose charges came into this game having lost their previous two outings, was continuously insulted by the Swallows supporters and had to make a discreet exit from the stadium.
No goals for Stars, Ajax
Also on Sunday, Silver Stars played to a goalless draw against Ajax Cape Town in a PSL match played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Owen da Gama’s Stars still top the PSL log with 23 points with seven wins and two draws, and lead second-placed Bidvest Wits by three points.
Stars proved that it is no fluke that they top the standings, but just couldn’t find the decisive breakthrough. Both teams’ strikers had numerous scoring opportunities, but great goalkeeping by Ajax’s Hans Vonk and Stars’ Wayne Sandiland made sure of a clean sheet.
Ajax coach Mushin Ertugral charges will be happy to have earned a point away from home against the top PSL side.
No luck for Amazulu
Meanwhile, at the Mehlareng Stadium, Benoni Premier United pushed Amazulu deeper into the relegation zone when they beat them 2 -1. There was no score at half-time.
In the second half, Benoni striker Brian Kgafane opened the scoring in the 55th minute. The goal motivated United and they started to dictate terms. In the 86th minute United striker Nigerian international Obinna Okafor made it 2 -0 .
Struggling Amazulu never gave up and scored a consolation goal deep into referee’s optional time via the boot of super-sub Sol Mmethi, who replaced Effort Sithole. — Sapa