United started strongly and had Chiefs pinned back in their own half for the first 10 or 15 minutes.

Clear-cut chances however failed to materialise as the Team of Choice failed to find the spark needed to break down the AmaKhosi rearguard.

The best chance came after seven minutes when Felix Obada sprinted clear down the left and squared for Prince Olomu, but his shot was blocked.

The Soweto side however also found opportunities hard to come by for most of the opening stanza as the Maritzburg midfield and defence worked tirelessly to quickly close down spaces.

Mthokizizi Yende did though come within inches to scoring I the 40 th minute when he flashed a shot inches wide of the upright from 20-yards out.

The best chance of the first half cam three minutes before the break when George Lebese sprinted down the left wing before squaring for Lucky Baloyi, but with an open goal at his mercy the youngster completely miscued his shot.

United had the first chance after the restart when Obada worked his way into the Chiefs box, but his shot on a tight angle was blocked by Arthur Bartman.

The KZN team remained very much in the game and in the 73rd minute there was nearly a dream debut for Morne Davids, who with his very first touch in the PSL fired a yard over the bar after more good work from Obada.

There was a nervous moment with 11 minutes to go when Siphiwe Tshabalala whipped in a telling ball, but the Chiefs attackers were not able to make the most of it.

Closing moments were thrilling as the game really opened up, but despite several half chances at both ends, neither team was able to break the deadlock.