Pirates Miss Chance To Go Top After Sekhukhune Draw
Orlando Pirates missed an opportunity to return to the top of the Betway Premiership after being held to a draw by Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Kamogelo Sebelele, making his first appearance since October, nearly snatched a late winner in the dying minutes, but Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner produced a crucial save to deny Pirates maximum points.
The result means Sekhukhune took four over the Soweto giants this season, having already beaten Pirates 1–0 in the opening fixture at Orlando Stadium in August, courtesy of a goal from Siphesihle Mkhize.
Despite failing to secure all three points, Pirates are now level on 29 points with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after 13 matches, though the Buccaneers still have a game in hand.
Pirates were returning to the same venue where they lifted the Carling Knockout trophy on 6 December after defeating Marumo Gallants in the final. That match proved to be the final appearance for defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has since completed a move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
With Mbokazi gone, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema were preferred as the centre-back pairing in Polokwane.
For Sekhukhune, there was a first start for new signing Bradley Mojela, who joined the club after being released by Stellenbosch FC. Veteran striker Bradley Grobler also led the line for Babina Noko, continuing his strong record against Pirates. Grobler came into the match having scored nine goals in 33 appearances against the Buccaneers — more than against any other team.
Pirates dominated possession in the first half but struggled to make an impact in the final third, frequently losing the ball in promising areas.
The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock three minutes before half-time when Kamogelo Sebelele’s effort was cleared off the line by Leaner, with Sibisi unable to capitalise on the rebound.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with clear-cut chances few and far between for both sides.
Just after the hour mark, Pirates introduced Bafana Bafana stars Relebohie Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis in an attempt to unlock the Sekhukhune defence.
Pirates continued to push forward, peppering Leaner’s goal, with Sebelele and Appollis both going close. However, Sekhukhune stood firm and survived a late onslaught to secure a hard-earned point.
