Swallows hold AmaZulu in Durban draw

AmaZulu are still battling to ignite at the start of the new season, only managing to pick up a point from a goalless home DStv Premiership draw with Swallows FC and Kings Park on Wednesday evening.

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Usuthu have yet to hit the back of the net two goals into their Premiership campaign, though they have not exactly had it easy so far, travelling away to Sundowns in their opening league game, before taking on last season’s draw specialists, the Birds, in Durban.

Brandon Truter’s side, indeed, would have two league draws this season but for a late, late winner from substitute Mbulelo Wambi against Royal AM on Sunday.

Swallows had a chance early on against AmaZulu, as Usuthu defender Tercious Malepe was a little unlucky to concede a free kick after slipping on the surface at Kings Park.

Ruzaigh Gamildien stepped up, and curled his effort just over the bar, though Veli Mothwa in the Usuthu goal was in a good position to make the save in any case.

At the other end, new Swallows signing Yagan Sasman showed his talents as he produced a fine tackle to deny AmaZulu’s new 21 year-old Gambian attacker Matarr Ceesay.

Gamildien was combining well with Dillon Solomons, who was signed by the Birds after they let Kgaogelo Segkota join Kaizer Chiefs. A header from the veteran striker found Solomons, who produced a superb cross, but no one was there to finish it off.

Solomons then had a great chance to score after being released by Gamildien on the break, but his effort was well stopped by Mothwa.

Gamildien was at it again just over five minutes into the second half., getting down the right and sliding in a low cross, but Mothwa was again there to gather.

Thabo Matlaba was next to threaten for Swallows with a terrific run and turn on the edge of the box, but his shot flew over the bar.

In the 65rd minute, AmaZulu were forced into an injury change as Thembela Sikhakhane had to leave the field, and was replaced by former Kaizer Chiefs man Kgotso Moleko. Benni McCarthy, meanwhile, also made two other changes, to try and bolster his attack, with Ceesay replaced by Bongi Ntuli, and Luvuyo Memela also coming on for Sphesihle Maduno.

Swallows coach Brendon Truter, meanwhile, also changed it up, with Orlando Pirates loanee Monnapule Saleng coming on for Khetukuthula Ndlovu, while Sundowns loanee Keletso Makgalwa replaced Solomons.

AmaZulu almost got free in the 72nd minute as Siyethemba Sithebe burst clear, but a wonderful last ditch challenged from Junaid Sait denied the Bafana Bafana midfielder a shot at goal.

Swallows came close with 12 minutes left, Lebo Mokoena swinging in a free kick that Thapelo Xoki glanced wide of his own upright.

McCarthy also brought on Hendrick Ekstein, another former Chiefs man and Andre De Jong in search of a winner. And in the 82nd minute a move that involved Ekstein saw Moleko swing in a cross that Ntuli headed just wide.