Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro acknowledged that their draw against Stellenbosch was not an ideal result in their pursuit of the Betway Premiership title and their effort to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates dropped two crucial points after being held to a draw by a resilient Stellenbosch side at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.

Compounding their frustration, Stellenbosch played over 50 minutes with ten men after defender Brian Onyango was sent off for denying Tshegofatso Mabasa, who appeared to have a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Referee Jelly Chavani initially issued a yellow card but, after reviewing the incident, upgraded it to a red card, sending the former Mamelodi Sundowns player off.

This should have given Pirates a significant advantage, but they failed to capitalize, sharing the spoils with Steve Barker’s side, which has proven to be a difficult opponent for Pirates for two consecutive seasons.

Barker’s team has now taken four points off Pirates this season and six points last season, despite losing key players during those periods.

“Two games until the red card where I think Pirates was playing its role and Stellenbosch did theirs,” said Riveiro. 

“Pirates dominated with clarity and Stellenbosch was looking to punish our mistakes in transitions with Ashley Cupido and Devin Titus up top. 

“But I think we controlled the game alright knowing how this is in transition team when they have spaces to run. Not precise, but obviously in the last minute it is just impossible to be precise in this field.  

“I think we generated only one setplay in 45 minutes, one corner which is telling you about the difficulties in the last 20 meters to create something. 

“I have been around long time enough to know that it is going to get even worse, it was going to be more difficult when it comes to the approach in the second half. 

“Overall, tough match and it is going to be tough (to chase the league title) now due to the circumstances. 

“In a normal context, collection one point you may say it is fine. In our context in our league, it is not the best results for us.”       

As Pirates drew with Stellenbosch, league leaders Sundowns capitalized, defeating AmaZulu 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday.

Sundowns have extended their lead at the top of the table to 58 points after 22 matches, 18 points clear of Pirates, although they have played four more games.

Pirates and Sundowns are set to clash in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table match at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.