Goalless Grind for Buccaneers
Orlando Pirates had to settle for a single point on their return to Betway Premiership action after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
It was a missed opportunity to kick the new year off by reclaiming their spot at the top of the league standings. They remained second despite drawing level on points with current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Dusting off the cobwebs after a long mid-season break, the Buccaneers came up against a Sekhukhune side looking to bounce back after dropping points in midweek. The opening quarter turned out to be a scrappy affair that produced no real shots on target despite frequent entries into opposition territory by the visitors.
Pirates continued to dominate possession throughout the first period, but could not conjure up many chances. This carried on until the last few moments before the break when captain Nkosinathi Sibisi’s toe poke from a few inches in front of goal was kept out by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
That was the only real chance at either end throughout the opening period, with the halftime whistle sounding with the two sides still deadlocked.
The Buccaneers looked to up the tempo following the restart, going close through a long-range effort from Patrick Maswanganyi who set the ball drifting wide. The first chance at the other end came via a free kick in front of goal, taken by Keletso Makgalwa whose initial shot was blocked by the wall before he drew a comfortable save off goalkeeper Sipho Chaine from the rebound.
The introduction of impact players in the likes of Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng looked to re-energise the visitors, who managed to spark some promising attacks midway through the second period. The Sekhukhune defence however refused to waver, continuing to frustrate the Soweto Giants.
There were a few close calls late in the contest as replacement striker Yanela Mbuthuma headed at goal from close range, but his effort was deflected out for a corner. Kamogelo Sebelebele went even closer as he surged into the penalty area, only to be denied spectacularly by Leaner.
The Babina Noko shot-stopper again proved to be the difference late in injury time when Mofokeng linked up with Appollis who drew another brilliant save from the 27-year-old.
That underlined a tough afternoon for Pirates, who failed to break down a dogged Sekhukhune outfit as they slipped to only their second league stalemate of the season.