By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates failed to reclaim the top position on the Premier Soccer League table after playing to a goalless draw with Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The result Pirates level on 29 points with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but in second place due to an inferior goal difference.
Pirates showed early attacking intent, particularly down the left flank where Tshepang Moremi caused problems, while Patrick Maswanganyi drifted wide to add numbers and apply pressure.
In the 17th minute, Lebone Seema’s ball across the face of the goal was cleared only as far as Kamogelo Sebelebele. Moremi whipped the ball in with a dangerous cross, forcing goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner off his line to punch the ball away.
Keletso Makgalwa was brought onto the park to replace Ngoanamello Rammala in the 32nd minute as the winger was forced off due to injury after a challenge with Evidence Makgopa at the edge of the area.
The hosts claimed Bradley Grobler was caught from behind and brought down by Makhehlene Makhaula in the box, but the referee was not entertaining Sekhukhune’s protests in the 39th minute.
The visitors nearly took the lead in the 42nd minute. Pirates took a corner short to Sebelebele in acres of space, who dribbled towards the goal and found Makhaula inside the six-yard box. The midfielder should have put the Buccaneers in front, but was denied from close range by a brilliant save from Leaner.
In the 60th minute, Makgalwa’s free-kick attempt from the edge of the area struck Thalenthe Mbatha’s head, and his follow-up looking for the top right corner was saved by Sipho Chaine.
Substitute Abdoulaye Mariko tried his luck from distance in the 74th minute, but he did not strike his effort with the power necessary to trouble Leaner.
In the 80th minute, Leaner leapt off his line to deny Oswin Appolis, with the substitute going to ground in the process. Pirates believed they deserved a penalty, but the referee did not share their sentiment.
Grobler missed a chase to hand the hosts a late victory and bag an early 38th birthday present from Makgalwa’s free-kick. The striker found himself wide open, but could not make contact with the ball.
Meanwhile Vusumuzi Vilakazi finally picked up his first win in charge of Chippa United after beating Orbit College 1-0 at Olympia Park on Saturday, 24 January.
Elsewhere Siwelele FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership match played at the Umhlathuze Stadium on Friday evening.