Orlando Pirates are still seeking their first league win since the end of August after drawing 1-1 with Polokwane City in their DStv Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Sephelo Baloni tried from range in the sixth minute but was unable to keep his shot down and it flew over Manuel Sapunga’s goal.
Melusi Buthelezi made an excellent save with his legs in the ninth minute at the other end as he denied Hlayisi Chauke from point-blank range.
It was end-to-end action, as last season’s Motsepe Foundation Championship winners gave as good as they got against their loftier opponents.
In the 24th minute, Buthelezi was back in action, saving from a header from Rise and Shine’s captain Bulelani Nikani’s header. A minute later Baloni shot over again at the other end.
Karim Kimvuidi forced a good one-handed save from Sapunga on the half-hour mark, and then former Pirate Ndumiso Mabena shot just wide moments later, as the action continued to and fro.
Thembinkosi Lorch tried to catch Sapunga out with a flash shot from outside the area, but his attempt was always going wide.
And finally Pirates broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, as Patrick Maswanganyi got onto the end of a Lorch square-ball, and swept it past Sapunga to make it 1-0.
Just before the break, Maswanganyi had another attempt, but Sapunga saved, and at the end of 45, it remained 1-0 to Jose Riveiro’s team.
Sapunga made a good save to deny Thabiso Monyane in the 53rd minute, though a mix-up in the box needed a last-gasp clearance from Thabang Matuludi to deny Pirates a second.
Polokwane’s danger man Oswin Appollis tried a cheeky attempt from outside the area in the 57th minute, but his shot went just over Buthelezi’s goal. Meanwhile, Evidence Makgopa went narrowly wide in the 66th minute after getting onto the end of a Lorch cross, however, the lanky striker looked to be in an offside position.
Substitute Monnapule Saleng went close two minutes later, but his shot was blocked. Moments later Deon Hotto went just wide with a long-range attempt.
But just as Pirates looked to increase the lead, Given Mashikinya stunned the Bucs faithful at the other end, with a well-struck shot in the 72nd minute that left Buthelezi with no chance.
Sapunga had to be alert to deny Monyane two minutes later, as Pirates looked to head back immediately, but the Mozambican keeper got his hands to the swirling shot.
Kermit Erasmus, who had come off the bench, fired wide in the 81st minute as he tried from 30 yards out.
Pirates looked for a late winner, but Lehlohonolo Seema’s team stood strong for the final minutes, and held on for the draw.
Pirates are now win-less in the three league games they have played since the end of August.
