Chaine Sent Off As Pirates Drew Goalless With Las Palmas

Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw against Spanish side Las Palmas in their third pre-season match at the Marbella Football Centre on Thursday.

The Buccaneers were forced to play the final 30 minutes with ten men after goalkeeper Sipho Chaine received a straight red card.

Chaine was sent off after an hour of play when he was forced to rush off his line and blocked a goal-bound shot with his hands outside the penalty area. Despite the pre-season nature of the match, the referee issued a straight red. Even with a man down, Pirates were not significantly troubled, though they also struggled to create much pressure on the Las Palmas defense.

This draw follows Pirates’ 2-0 loss to English side Bolton Wanderers and a draw against Cypriot club Pafos FC in their earlier pre-season fixtures.

Relebohile Mofokeng, who is nominated for both PSL Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, is the only Pirates player to have scored in their three pre-season matches so far. It is why Sportswire reported on Wednesday that Dutch side PSV Eindhoven has tabled an R100 million offer for the talented youngster.

Mofokeng spearheaded the Pirates’ attack against Las Palmas, supported by winger Tshepang Moremi and lead striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

The attacking formation appeared to be a diamond shape, with Kabelo Dlamini completing the front four in advanced areas. Mofokeng had Pirates’ only notable chance in the first half, a right-footed shot in the 17th minute that went wide. The first half ended without a goal.

Both teams made a flurry of changes before the second half. Chaine, one of the second-half introductions, made his decisive dash off his line after the hour mark. After he was sent off, Melusi Buthelezi came on to replace Simphiwe Selepe, who appeared to be injured, leaving the Soweto Giants a man down.

Prior to the red card incident, Pirates’ defense had largely contained Las Palmas. However, after the dismissal, Las Palmas’ Manuel Fuster came close from the right side, nearly breaking the deadlock and testing Buthelezi.

Las Palmas created a few more chances later on, with Pirates surviving thanks to a stretched block by Nkosinathi Sibisi on a cross and a close-range shot that flashed wide of the post. It’s worth noting that Las Palmas were relegated at the end of last season.

Pirates will conclude their pre-season camp with a match against Granada on Saturday.