Matsatsantsa, Siwelele fail to find the net

Kaitano Tembo and his SuperSport United charges failed to eke out a win over Bloemfontein Celtic last night in an Absa Premiership clash at the Dr Molemela Stadium.

Matsatsantsa A Pitori did, however, hold Celtic to a goalless draw, extending their unbeaten run against Phunya Sele Sele to half a dozen games.

Siwelele missed an opportunity to go level on points with log leaders Orlando Pirates, who have played two games more than Celt- ic.

Tembo handed teenager Luke Fleurs his maiden league game this season as the more seasoned centre-backs Morgan Gould and Clayton Daniels had not travelled with the team. Daniels has a family bereavement while Gould picked up a knock in the build up to this match.

The sides went into the halftime break level following what was a tame first stanza. The second-half brought about improved performances from both sides, but the goals were still missing.

Man-of-the-Match Ronwen Williams, who continues to skipper the side in the absence of injured captain Dean Furman, was called into action in the 55th minute by Kabelo Dlamini. The 22-year-old forward was found by a Menzi Masuku cross and he volleyed the ball, only to see his attempt palmed away by Williams.

Tembo (right) was the first to make a change around the hour mark when he introduced veteran midfielder Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane in place of Bafana Bafana international Teboho Mokoena.

That change was followed up by three substitutions by Phunya Sele Sele coach Steve Komphela. The smooth-tongued mentor first introduced Ronald Pfumbidzai in the place of Bongani Sam before he went on to throw in Tebogo Potsane and Tumelo Mangweni.

It took “Yeye” about 15 minutes to find himself some space and release a shot from outside the box, which forced Celtic ‘keeper Patrick Tignyemb to stretch an arm to keep his team on a level footing.

In the final five minutes, United had a penalty call dismissed by the match officials when James Keene was shoved by Lorenzo Gordinho, summarising a frustrating night for Keene and his teammates.