Relegation drama continues

The musical chairs at the bottom of the Absa Premiership continued following AmaZulu's goalless draw against Platinum Stars. Photo by: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

The musical chairs at the bottom of the Absa Premiership continued following AmaZulu's goalless draw against Platinum Stars. Photo by: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

Published Apr 30, 2015

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The musical chairs at the bottom of the Absa Premiership continued as AmaZulu’s goalless draw against Platinum Stars in KwaMashu moved them back above Moroka Swallows.

The game with few clear-cut chances saw both sides deservedly share the points. AmaZulu’s point helped them leapfrog Swallows courtesy of a better goal difference – both stand on 24 points from 27 matches.

After Free State Stars won in an early game yesterday it looks unlikely that either Swallows or AmaZulu can avoid relegation altogether at the end of 30 games.

Chances are either would have to negotiate the play-offs to stay up, if they avoid automatic relegation.

Whatever happens in AmaZulu’s three remaining games, Durban is favoured to continue enjoying top-flight football next season. This after local side Lamontville Golden Arrows virtually confirmed their return to the top division with a 3-2 win at Thanda Royal Zulu in the First Division.

Arrows twice came from behind to edge the victory in Richard’s Bay to cement their lead at the top of the table with two rounds of games left to play. Goals from Mabhudi Khenyeza, Zukile Mkhize and Nkanyiso Cele cancelled out strikes from Thanda’s Junior Sekete and Mazwi Mncube in the KwaZulu-Natal derby.

The result took the Durban outfit to 15 wins and 56 points, the maximum number of points that second-placed Jomo Cosmos can reach if they win their last two matches.

That means Arrows need only a point from their two games, regardless of how Cosmos fare, to go back up after last season’s relegation.

Cosmos kept up the pressure on Abafana Bes’thende with a 5-0 thumping of Royal Eagles in another match in Durban yesterday. At worst Cosmos should finish second or third to ensure they qualify for the play-offs. Thanda are still in that play-off race as well.

AmaZulu were made to sweat for whatever little possession and goal chances that came their way in the first half against Platinum. Most of the target-shooting came from the visitors, and luckily for Usuthu, the shots were held well by goalie Energy Murambadoro.

Mogakolodi Ngele and Ndumiso Mabena tested Murambadoro, and the latter almost snuck in for a one on one situation with the goalkeeper. Luckily for AmaZulu defender Marc van Heerden slid in to cover for Mbulelo Mabizela and Sadate Ouro-Akoriko in the heart of the defence. - The Star

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