Orlando Pirates let slip the opportunity to return to the summit of the Betway Premiership after being held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United in a tightly contested encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates made four changes from the side that lifted the Carling Knockout title against Marumo Gallants FC, with Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepang Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele all handed starts. On the opposite bench, Babina Noko introduced Bradley Mojela for his debut.
The visitors showed early intent as full-back Nkosikhona Ndaba tried his luck in the sixth minute, firing a quick snapshot from Sebelebele’s delivery, but his effort failed to trouble the target.
Sekhukhune responded through veteran striker Bradley Grobler, who met a well-worked free-kick with a header inside the box, only to squander a promising chance.
The hosts were forced into an early reshuffle just after the half-hour mark when Ellis Rammala was forced off injured, with Keletso Makgalwa coming on in his place.
Pirates came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock five minutes before the interval. Sebelebele’s low cross found Sibisi in space, but goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner produced an excellent point-blank save to keep the scores level.
After the restart, the Buccaneers continued to labour against Sekhukhune’s disciplined defensive shape. Patrick Maswanganyi went close with a first-time strike from outside the area, but his effort sailed over the bar.
At the other end, Makgalwa nearly punished the visitors from a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box, but Sipho Chaine stood firm to deny him.
Pirates enjoyed a late surge in momentum, yet Leaner remained the hero for Babina Noko. He denied Sebelebele once more from close range and later reacted sharply to keep out a first-time effort from substitute Oswin Appollis.
In the end, it finished goalless, a frustrating afternoon for Orlando Pirates, who were left ruing missed chances as their bid to reclaim top spot fell short.
Confirmed line-ups
Sekhukhune United:
Leaner, Ndlovu, Cardoso, Letlapa, Mogaila, Monare, Mkhize, Rammala, Mojela, Mncube, Grobler
Subs: Nstabata, Phiri, Yamba, Malivha, Matsimbi, Mokoena, Makgalwa, Langa, Tlaka
Orlando Pirates:
Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Van Rooyen, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Sebelebele, Makgopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Chabatsane, Hotto, Mariko, Dansin, Mofokeng, Appollis, Mbuthuma