Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Magesi FC on Wednesday evening in their last game of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The Buccaneers took an early lead in the first-half thanks to a goal from Patrick Maswanganyi, only for Edmore Chirambadare to find the back of the net and level the score before the break.
Notably, Bucs captain Innocent Maela was handed his first start since 5 October last year when he was in the first line-up in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC.
This return to the starting line-up comes amidst widespread reports that Pirates have offered him a non-playing role, with his current contract nearing its end. It now remains uncertain whether this appearance was his final match for the Buccaneers.
The Sea Robbers began the match with a surge of intensity as usual, though the first five minutes saw minimal goal-mouth action.
MASWANGANYI CAME WITH A BREAKTHROUGH INSIDE THE FIRST 10 MINUTES
But the breakthrough came swiftly. In the 7th minute, Maswanganyi opened the scoring, converting a perfectly executed free-kick set-up from Relebohile Mofokeng that clearly came from the training ground.
Meanwhile, Magesi made a couple of attempts to quickly respond to Maswanganyi’s opener, but struggled to dismantle the hosts’ defence.
The Buccaneers continued to threaten. In the 15th minute, Chipezeze was forced into a sharp save, thwarting Mohau Nkota’s close-range attempt. The left-footed youngster had created the opportunity himself, bursting into the penalty area from a swift counter-attack.
In the 26th minute, the woodwork came to Magesi’s rescue when Thalente Mbatha hit the post after a masterful lob pass from Mofokeng.
Then, just six minutes later, Magesi, who had barely threatened Sipho Chaine’s goal, suddenly found the leveller. Edmore Chirambadare slotted home, converting a well-executed set-up from Thabang Sibanyoni, completely against the run of play. The score remained 1-1 at half-time.
At the start of the second-half, both sides made one change each. Pirates introduced Cemran Dansin for Mbatha while Magesi brought in Tlou Masegela in place of Tshepo Makgoga.
Pirates picked up right where they left off, maintaining firm control and relentlessly searching for an opening in Magesi’s defence.
Nkota came close to finding the back of the net in the 52nd minute, attempting to curl the ball into the near post, but his shot unfortunately went over the bar.
Ten minutes later, Chipezeze denied Maswanganyi a brace, reacting swiftly to stop the left-footed attacker’s powerful, first-time shot that came directly from Mofokeng’s incisive pass.
MAELA’S EMOTIONAL DEPARTURE FROM THE FIELD
In the 66th minute, Innocent Maela was replaced by Yanga Madiba, and his departure from the field was laden with emotions.
As ‘Happy People’ chanted his name, Maela turned to acknowledge them, waving in a manner that appeared as a final goodbye, strongly suggesting this could be his last appearance for the club.
The closing stages of the match saw both teams relentlessly pursue a victory, but the winning goal proved to be nowhere in sight for either side, ultimately resulting in shared points.
RELATED STORY: Ncikazi outlines ideal management approach for Pirates’ youngsters