Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 at the hands of relegation-fighting Richards Bay FC at Orlando
Stadium on Saturday night, a result that saw them fail to capitalise on Stellies 2-0 loss against
Moroka Swallows in the early kick-off.
 
Jose Riveiro made three changes to the side that won 2-0 against Chippa United in midweek,
with Olisa Ndah and Miguel Timm coming in for Thabiso Sesane and Makhehleni Makhaula,
who were both dropped to the bench, while Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo replaced Thalente
Mbatha, who was not named in the matchday squad.
 
Meanwhile, looking to continue their positive form and solidify their promotion play-off spot,
Richards Bay coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against
Polokwane City in Limpopo.
 
The first chance of the night fell to fan favourite Patrick Maswanganyi on the 14 th minute
after a ball crossed to the far post found him lurking; however, “Tito” couldn’t capitalise as
Richards Bay defence blocked the shot.
 
The KZN side drew first blood thanks to a goal from Sanele Barns, who pounced on Pirates’
failure to clear their lines from the Natal rich boys’ throw in, a goal that saw him take his
tally to five DSTV Premiership goals in the ongoing campaign.
 
Riveiro’s charges kept searching for an equaliser, with Maswanganyi finding his shot
deflected out for a corner kick yet again on the 41 st minute as the Richards Bay defence
remained stern, to go into the halftime interval with a lead.
 
Pirates came back strong in the second half, putting pressure on Bay’s defence as teenage
sensation Relebohile Mofokeng saw his shot hit the top of the crossbar in the 55 th minute.
 
Salim Magoola kept Richards Bay’s lead intact following superb reflexes to keep out
Maswanganyi, who was looking to level matters for the Buccaneers on the 82 nd minute with
his shot ward off out for a corner kick, ensuring Bay walk away with all three points.

Pirates remain in third place in the DSTV Premiership standings with 49 points, a point shy
away from Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch in second place with two games remaining.
 
With the race for Continental spots heating up, Riveiro’s men will be away to TS Galaxy in
their next encounter before a final home game against Supersport United, while Stellies will
host champions Mamelodi Sundowns before travelling to KZN for a meeting with Richards
Bay in their final game of the season.