Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United played to a 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership at Pietermaritzburg’s Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday evening.

The home side got 1-0 up in the first half, while Amakhosi equalised just before the final whistle thanks to Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

Bernard Parker returned into the starting line-up, while Siphiwe Tshabalala, Ivan Bukenya and Camaldine Abraw weren’t in the match day squad. Bukenya and Abraw were rested due to having travelled a lot with their respective national squads, while ‘Shabba’ is struggling with a slight injury.

Both sides were testing each other at the start of the game. Chiefs had probably more of the ball possession, but it was Maritzburg that had a few shots at goal, even though they never really threatened goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo.

Parker came closest to scoring in the 16th minute when he curved the ball at goal, but the Maritzburg ‘keeper made a fine save.

It was the home side that got the opening goal in the 20th minute when Tsepo Masilela missed a header and, accordingly, the ball landed on his arm. The referee decided the point to the penalty spot. Kurt Lentjies finished well from the spot, slotting the ball past Khuzwayo.

Parker got another opportunity in the 36th minute, but the ball was well blocked from reaching the goal by a Maritzburg defender.

Chiefs tried to up the tempo in the second half, playing most of the time on the opponent’s half, but it didn’t result in any real chances.

George Lebese probably got closest when he hit the post.

In the end, Amakhosi probably played a bit too slow, as passing a bit faster might have resulted in more goal scoring opportunities.

Just when it looked as if the home side had collected the three points, Lebese headed the ball to substitute Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who finished brilliantly from inside the box. It was a valuable point gained on the road.

Chiefs have now 18 points from 11 games, being in third position, eight points behind log leaders Bidvest Wits.

Maritzburg United (1) 1 (Lentjies 20’)

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Letsholonyane 97’)

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo; Gaxa (Letsholonyane 79’), Mathoho, Gordinho, Masilela; Manqele, Katsande, Baloyi, Lebese; Ekstein, Parker (Mthembu 72’)

Maritzburg United: Salie; Booysen (Hartog 68’), Teyisa, Onyango, Zulu; Lentjies (Paintsil 92’), Nene, Mngonyama, Mekoa; Rusike, Anas (Cele 74’)