Kaizer Chiefs remain unbeaten in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership, but another draw has left Amakhosi with plenty to ponder.
Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, with missed opportunities ultimately costing them two points.
The result leaves Amakhosi with four draws from their opening seven league matches. They remain fourth on the table with 13 points, seven behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although Chiefs have a game in hand.
Chiefs dominate but fail to find the breakthrough
Amakhosi started brightly and controlled much of the opening half, using their pace and movement to put the Arrows defence under pressure.
Pule Mmodi was involved early on, delivering a dangerous ball into the area for Mfundo Vilakazi, while Reeve Frosler also tested the home defence with threatening deliveries.
Lebohang Maboe came close with an eighth-minute effort from distance, but the midfielder could not find the target.
The visitors’ pressure eventually resulted in a major opportunity in the 33rd minute.
Faiz Abrahams was brought down inside the box, giving Chiefs the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.
Maboe took responsibility, but Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa produced an excellent save, diving to his right to keep the match level.
That save proved significant as Arrows survived the remainder of the half without conceding.
Leaner makes impressive Chiefs debut
While Chiefs struggled to convert their chances, there was an encouraging development at the other end of the pitch.
Renaldo Leaner made his debut for Amakhosi in place of the injured Brandon Petersen and was called into action during the first half.
The young goalkeeper reacted quickly to deny Junior Dion from close range following Philani Khumalo’s delivery.
It was an important intervention that ensured Chiefs did not go into the break behind after one of Golden Arrows’ better opportunities.
Vilakazi hits the crossbar
The second half proved more evenly contested as Golden Arrows became increasingly comfortable and restricted Chiefs’ attacking rhythm.
Amakhosi eventually regained momentum in the closing stages and came within inches of breaking the deadlock.
In the 79th minute, substitute Asanele Velebayi picked out Vilakazi inside the penalty area.
The youngster unleashed a powerful effort that beat Mbanjwa but struck the crossbar.
Vilakazi was involved again seven minutes later, only for another attempt to be blocked as Golden Arrows held firm.
The final whistle eventually confirmed a 0-0 draw.
Another draw raises questions for Chiefs
Although Chiefs remain unbeaten, the number of draws is becoming a notable feature of their start to the campaign.
Four stalemates in seven matches have prevented Amakhosi from converting their unbeaten record into a stronger position near the top of the table.
The immediate challenge will therefore be turning control and chances into goals and victories.
The international break now gives Chiefs an opportunity to regroup before their next league fixture against Stellenbosch on 17 October.
For coach and players, the focus will be on ensuring that performances such as Sunday’s do not continue to produce dropped points.
Kaizer Chiefs have avoided defeat, but the question now is whether they can turn their unbeaten run into the wins needed to challenge at the top of the Betway Premiership.
