AmaZulu remain undefeated under Pablo Franco Martin after they shared the KZN derby spoils with Richards Bay following a 0-0 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Natal Rich Boyz managed to put their first point on the board in 2023-24, although the stalemate extended their winless streak in the DStv Premiership to 17 matches stretching back to January 22.
The trend persisted for Usuthu, who drew far too many games last term (12), but it has been a decent start for Martin after collecting three points from his opening three fixtures.
AmaZulu were looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season after recording back-to-back 0-0 draws against Royal AM and SuperSport United, while Richards Bay’s struggles continued as they suffered two successive defeats to Matsatsantsa and Golden Arrows.
The visitors posed the greater threat in the first half and went close to opening the scoring just four minutes in when Nkululeko Miya fired narrowly wide of the near post from an angle on the left.
Usuthu had their first sniff at goal soon afterwards as Wayde Jooste crossed for Augustine Kwem and the Nigerian striker lifted the ball over the crossbar.
The Natal Rich Boyz went on to make better use of the ball and Thobani Mthembu tested Veli Mothwa with two strikes from range in the space of four minutes midway through the first half.
Somila Ntsundwana then failed to hit the target from inside the box on the left on 37 minutes before Kwem threatened for the hosts with a shot that flew inches wide of the left post from a free-kick in the 40th minute.
AmaZulu carved out an early opening in the second half when Mbongeni Gumede steered a header wide of the right post from a 51st-minute corner, while Mthembu wasted a chance at the other end five minutes later after he dragged a shot wide of the far post from inside the box on the left.
Justice Figuareido also squandered an opportunity on 74 minutes from a free-kick that missed the target, while Boikanyo Komane also failed to trouble Mothwa with a strike from range in the 79th minute