Siwelele fail to reach top eight with a draw against Sundowns

Deon Hotto of Bloemfontein Celtic challenged by Anele Ngcongca of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Absa Premiership 2017/18 football match between Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein on 12 May 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday May 12, 2018. 17:23

Bloemfontein Celtic could not reach the top eight as they drew 0-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns in their final Absa Premiership encounter at Dr. Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In the wake of the draw, Veselin Jelusic's men now sit 10th on the log table with 37 points on the log table after 30 matches as they wrap their 2017/18 PSL campaign.

Although they were looking to lift their coveted trophy with a win, the Brazilians dominated the proceedings in terms of touches, but could not trouble Patrick Tignyemb in the opening 10 minutes.

Roggert Nyundu had a wonderful opportunity to put the hosts ahead when a defence-splitting pass found him unmarked on his way to the goal, but Kennedy Mweene came out to clear the danger in the 11th minute.

With the champions struggling to break down the hosts’ defence, it was Deon Hotto could not keep his effort on target.

Sundowns would show their intentions upfront after the 30th minute as they looked to penetrate Siwelele’s defence, but Tigyemb produced a fine save to deny Jeremy Brockie.

On the stroke of half time, Oupa Manyisa’s set piece failed to hit the target as the midfielder targeted Tignyemb’s far post.

There were no goals in the opening half.

Upon their return from the tunnel, the Brazilians nearly scored when George Lebese’s effort was cleared on the line by Siwelele.

Good football from the hosts after the hour mark on the far left saw them break down the visiting defence, but a cross failed to reach the penalty area.

Skipper Hlompho Kekana was introduced for Tiyani Mabunda and he tried his trademark shots, but failed to keep it on target with three minutes to go.

For the eight time champions, they now finish at the summit with 60 points at the summit after the 30 games.

Bloemfontein Celtic 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 0

Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb, Letsoalo, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Gordinho, Pfumbizai, Motshegwa (Masuku 74’), Shikweni, Hotto (Dlamini 67’), Phalane, Nyundu

Mamelodi Sundowns: Mweene, Zulu, Ngcongca, Bangaly, Arendse, Mabunda (Kekana 87’), Lebese (Laffor 76’), Brockie (Sekotlong 84’), Manyisa, Morena, Tau