Chiefs’ winning streak halted by stubborn PLK City

Kaizer Chiefs’ scintillating five-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday evening as they were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City FC at a capacity-crowd Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the Betway Premiership.

Despite the stalemate, the result ensures that Chiefs remain unbeaten in their last six outings as they continue their late-season surge.

In a match played under the electric atmosphere of a packed-out Polokwane venue, Amakhosi struggled to find the clinical edge that had defined their recent run. Polokwane City proved to be a difficult nut to crack, maintaining a disciplined defensive shape that frustrated the Soweto giants throughout the 90 minutes.

The draw leaves Chiefs in third place on the Betway Premiership log, moving them to 46 points from 24 matches. While they missed the opportunity to close the gap further on the leading duo of Orlando Pirates (leaders) and Mamelodi Sundowns (second place), the point keeps them firmly in the hunt for a continental spot for next season. Crucially, the result preserves their momentum heading into the much-anticipated Soweto Derby clash against Pirates.

THE WINNING STREAK ENDS, BUT THE UNBEATEN RUN LIVES ON FOR CHIEFS

The encounter was a tactical battle from the onset. Kaizer Chiefs’ Makabi Lilepo forced an early save from Lindokuhle Mathebula in the 8th minute, setting the tone for a busy night for both goalkeepers. Polokwane City responded with threats of their own, as Brandon Petersen had to be alert to tip a goal-bound effort from Mokibelo Ramabu over the bar in the 28th minute.

Chiefs suffered a setback late in the first half when Aden McCarthy was forced off due to injury, replaced by Inácio Miguel. Despite the disruption, Amakhosi continued to probe, with Mduduzi Shabalala drawing two fine saves from Mathebula just before the interval.

The second half saw the Glamour Boys ring the changes in the 63rd minute, introducing Gastón Sirino, Khanyisa Mayo, and Luke Baartman to spark the attack. Sirino’s arrival immediately added creativity, but despite a flurry of late corners and a Sphiwe Msimango header that narrowly missed the target in the 77th minute, the breakthrough remained elusive.

Rise and Shine remained dangerous on the break, with Raymond Daniels and Puleng Marema keeping the Chiefs’ defence under constant pressure until the final whistle.