DURBAN – The pressure is mounting on Giovanni Solinas at Kaizer Chiefs. The Italian is still winless after four Absa Premiership outings as he failed to beat the 10 men Maritzburg United side at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg yesterday night.
Chiefs played the rest of the match with one men extra but failed to use that in to their advantage.
Solinas is slowly building the reputation as the draw specialist. He has registered three stalemates in four league matches.
The other results for Amakhosi was a 3-1 thumping defeat at the expense of Bidvest Wits.
It is still to early in the season but Chiefs are not showing any signs of being championship material.
Siphelele Ntshangase (centre) of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Keagan Buchanan (left) and Siyanda Xulu of Maritzburg United on Friday night. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Their fans came in to the stadium in a jovial mood but left the stadium dejected. The atmosphere was electric at Harry Gwala.
Khama Billiat gave Chiefs's fans something to cheer about earlier on the match with a great piece of skill to pass United defender, Bokang Tlhone.
Siphesihle Ndlovu was given his marching orders 14 minutes in to the match after his reckless tackle on Amakhosi's stopper, Siyabonga Ngezana.
The 10 men United should have punished Chiefs but Deolin Mekoa fluffed his opportunity as he ballooned the ball over the bar.
Billiat wasted an elementary chance to put Amakhosi upfront with United goal-minder, Richard Ofori, to beat at his mercy.
It was easy to score than to miss for Billiat, instead of passing the net, he shot straight to Ofori.
Chiefs came closer again with Hendrick Ekstein a few minutes later but his ball brushed the post and went outside the pitch.
Amakhosi were using their numerical advantage in the midfield but lacked composure in the final third. The Team of Choice fought gallantly as they made sure that they keep Amakhosi at bay.
The game went in to the interval with both teams deadlocked at 0-0.
Leonardo Castro of Kaizer Chiefs challenged by Rushine De Reuck of Maritzburg United during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Andrea Fileccia made way for Mohau Mokate ten minutes in to the second half.
Rain started to fall in the second half and Chiefs supporters were also hoping that it will rain goals at Harry Gwala but it wasn't to be.
United were resolute and tactical astute at the back. Amakhosi were all over the Team of Choice in terms ball possession but the final ball was not accurate.
Daniel Cardoso unleashed a thunder-bolt from the range but his attempt went off target.
Time was running out for Amakhosi and Solinas brought in the veteran, Siphiwe Tshabalala for Siphosakhe Nyita-Ntiya.
He made an instant impact as he almost snatched the winner for Chiefs but Ofori produced a stunning save.
Amakhosi were unluck not to be given a penalty in the dying minutes of the game as the substitute, Denwin Farmer handled the ball inside the box but the referee waved play on.
Both Chiefs and United are still winless in the league. It was a positive result for United who lost their first three matches in all competitions.