Edgar Manaka of Marumo Gallants challenges Lebohang Lesako of Orbit College during their Betway Premiership encounter at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: backpagepix
Marumo Gallants and Orbit College remained bogged down in the Betway Premiership relegation zone on Sunday evening after playing to an uninspired 0-0 draw at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Although both clubs generated several chances to break the deadlock, they proved wasteful in the final third. Indeed, only four shots on target — two apiece from each team — were recorded during the encounter. Arguably the closest scoring opportunity came early in the first half when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo of Marumo Gallants hit the left post with a left-footed shot from a difficult angle.
Along with Magesi, who hold a game in hand, the draw locks Gallants and Orbit in a desperate battle to survive the dreaded drop. Currently, the former occupy the automatic relegation spot in 16th place on 17 points after their loss to Sekhukhune United on Saturday.
Orbit, meanwhile, are in 15th spot with 19 points and are set to contest the PSL promotion/relegation play-off, unless they manage to improve their fortunes with their final seven games. They are separated from Gallants by goal difference alone, as the struggle for survival in the top flight intensifies.
Chippa United, meanwhile, enjoy an all-important five-point buffer above this trio of clubs as the season heads to its conclusion.
Currently, Kruger United are three points clear after 24 matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and are well-placed for automatic promotion to the premier division. They are keenly followed by second-placed Cape Town City and Hungry Lions, both on 43 points, in the promotion/relegation play-off spots.
Magesi face high-flying Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, while Gallants and Orbit College face Siwelele and Golden Arrows on Saturday, respectively.
Marumo Gallants 0
Orbit College 0