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Johannesburg - Platinum Stars and Wits played to a goalless draw in their Premiership match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday, but the lion's share of the action took place before kickoff.
The match was delayed for a full hour from the scheduled 15:00 kickoff, as the referees travelling to the stadium were arrested as they were travelling in a car that had been reported stolen. A fresh set of referees was raced to the venue to officiate in the match which began at 16:00.
The match itself produced a number of chances for both sides, but a lack of clinical finishing meant the score was destined to finish in a 0-0 scoreline.
Platinum Stars were close to taking the lead in the 12th minute. A stunning strike from Mogakolodi Ngele from range brought a diving full length save from Moeneeb Josephs in the Wits goal to keep the sides level.
Stars were again on the attack three minutes before the interval. Robert Ngambi pulled away from the Wits defence and beat the keeper to find the back of the net, but his effort was disallowed as the linesman had his flag up for offside.
In the 61st minute, Calivin Kadi made a swerving diagonal run and reeled off a shot from outside the area, but could not keep his shot on target. Stars came close to scoring again in the 73rd minute. The ball fell to Solomon Mathe inside the area, and from close range the player inexplicably directed the ball wide.
Wits were down to 10 men after Denver Mukamba was handed a red card in the 83rd minute as he retaliated after the whistle was blown.
