Bloemfontein – A full house at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium did not get a chance to see any goals as Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns played out to a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
Siwelele needed to win and hope that Chippa United dropped points, but it was not to be as they missed out on a top-eight finish on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Sundowns were crowned champions for a record eighth time. Pitso Mosimane became only the second coach to win the coveted trophy three times with the same club, equaling Gavin Hunt's record with SuperSport United.
The Brazilians walked out to a guard of honour from Celtic, who needed to force the issue once the action got underway.
The hosts had the first attempt at goal midway through the first half. Wayne Arendse was punished for a poor foul just outside the box, but Deon Hotto failed to keep his free-kick down and let Downs off the hook.
Celtic threatened again in the 41st minute with a half-chance as the visiting defence remained compact. Vusi Shikweni had an effort from 30 yards out, but his low drive missed to the right of the target.
After a dull first half with very few clear-cut opportunities, the game sparked to life four minutes after the restart and it was Mosimane's side who nearly went ahead, but for a goalline clearance from Alfred Ndengane.
Thapelo Moreno started the move with a cross from the right wing to the near post that goal keeper Patrick Tignyemb failed hold. Percy Tau latched onto the loose ball and set up George Lebese, whose effort at goal was hacked to safety by Ndengane.
Masandawana almost stole the three points two minutes from time when Hlompho Kekana tried to catch Tignyemb off his line with a shot from just inside in his own half, but it sailed just over the bar.
Phunya Sele Sele tried to win the contest as they threw men forward, but it was not to be, as Sundowns remained unbeaten in their last 13 league games.
