Staff Reporter.
Swallows FC and Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw in the original Soweto Derby that was played at Dobsonville Stadium.
The result sees Pirates placed third on 24 points – now 16 adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns – while the Birds are 13th and just one point above the relegation playoff zone.
The Buccaneers got off to a flyer and were 1-0 up in just the third minute, with Bandile Shandu latching onto Fortune Makaringe’s pass before steering a low shot past goalkeeper Jody February for his second goal in as many matches.
Swallows got themselves back on level terms in the 15th minute, via a confidently-struck penalty from Ruzaigh Gamildien. The spot kick was won by Keletso Makgalwa, who was tripped up in the 18-yard area by Paseka Mako.
After that fast and furious opening quarter hour, the game settled into a more placid rhythm, with Swallows generally seeing more of the ball and looking to take pot shots, though they rarely bothered Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Pirates tried to use their pace on the break, but the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch and Deon Hotto were not able to influence the game, leaving Terrence Dzvukamanja and Kwame Peprah feeding off scraps.
The score was 1-1 during the half-time break following a lively first-half which saw Buccaneers get off to a good start, but Dube Birds fought back to level matters.
Swallows were all over Pirates like a bad rash and playing well and Kamohelo Mahlatsi played a ball into the feet of Tebogo Langerman, who had a sight at goal in the box but his effort was saved by Mpontshane.
The home side again attacked with real intent as Makgalwa curled a shot just wide of goal as they continued to pile the pressure on.
The last chance of the match fell for Hotto, who looked lively in the closing stages of the game, but his deflected shot was fantastically saved by February and the Mamelodi Sundowns loanee’s save ensured that the encounter ended in a 1-1 draw on the night.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action this coming weekend, with Pirates away to Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday 17 December and Swallows visiting Cape Town City the following day.