Royal AM drew 0-0 with their KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu FC in their opening DStv Premiership match played at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening.
The draw saw Thwihli Thwahla begin their 2023-24 campaign with a stalemate and they will be hoping to secure a win when they take on Orlando Pirates in Soweto on Tuesday.
AmaZulu, on the other hand, were left to rue the few chances that they created against Royal AM and they will be in action on Wednesday when they lock horns with SuperSport United in Durban.
Usuthu were the better side in the opening stages, with Augustine Chidi Kwem looking to use his imposing physique to bully the Thwihli Thwahla defenders who were led by Samuel Manganyi.
The Nigerian striker had a chance to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute, but he lost control of the ball and goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto denied him a shooting chance. The score was 0-0 at halftime.
The two teams continued to search for the opening goal after the restart, but they were struggling to create clear-cut chances and keeper Veli Mothwa made a routine save from Mfundo Thikazi's free-kick in the 56th minute.
AmaZulu were awarded an opportunity to grab a late winning goal in the 72nd minute, but Tercious Malepe dragged his shot wide of the target from an indirect free-kick inside Royal's box and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Royal 0
AmaZulu 0
Royal AM: Mpoto, Manganyi, Sikhakhane, Mogaila, Masuku (Cele 66'), Msomi, Matlaba, Kobedi, Macuphu, Thikazi, Radebe (Sera 79').
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Gumede, Mobara, Mphahlele, Sikhakhane (Human 63'), Brooks, Malepe, Hanamub, Moremi, Jooste, Kwem (Ntuli 79').
