Orlando Pirates’ attempt to catch Mamelodi Sundowns for the DStv Premiership title took another severe knock as their toothless display did not trouble Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
The Soweto giants, who should have had a high morale after beating Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby before the international break, struggled to get out of first gear despite the riches at their disposal.
These are the games Pirates should be winning to catch Mamelodi Sundowns, who started the season with eight wins in eight their eight opening matches.
Sundowns is still at the top of the table despite having not played a league match since September, when they beat Stellenbosch FC 3-0 at home.
On top of beating Chiefs, Pirates also defeated Sekhukhune before the Derby.
Unlike in that game and the Derby, Thembinkosi Lorch was not part of this match in Durban as he is suspended until 12 December after he was found guilty of assault of his former girlfriend in 2020.
Lorch’s place was taken by the first starting XI appearance of Vincent Pule, who has been hampered by injuries this season and last.
There was an also first appearance for Fortune Makaringe, who has struggled to break into the side this season.
Backed by a healthy crowd in the stands, it was a game of poor display by both sides as little chances were created in the first half.
With many expecting something better in the second stanza, nothing good was forthcoming with the ball circulated mainly in the middle.
The pattern in the first half that was predictable continued in the second, and both goals were unemployed.
Bay, considering where they are in the DStv Premiership standings, were happy to keep Pirates at bay.
The Buccaneers, looking to improve, brought Kabelo Dlamini and Monnapule Saleng – replacing Relebogile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa in the 67th minute.
It meant Pirates had no focal point up top, as Makgopa was also not afforded the service he required – and still that did not make a difference.
As chances were few and far between, Tapelo Xoki tried just outside the box to catch Jackson Mabokgwane with a dropping free-kick, but the former Bucs goalie was up to the task of parrying the ball away.
That was only chance of note from Pirates, whose coach Jose Riveiro will be disappointed with the application of his side on a humid day in Durban.
The only real talking point in this match was when Thabang Monare was sent off by Jelly Chavali, even though he was not on the pitch for dissent after a ball boy was holding the ball instead of giving it back to play.
Bay will take confidence that they are unbeaten in two matches now as the fight for survival is going to intensify.
