Orlando Pirates dropped points in a frustrating draw against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Buccaneers missed a chance to top the league table as they moved level on 29 points with Mamelodi Sundowns, who remain at the summit of the log due to a superior goal difference.
Pirates visited Babina Noko at their home ground, aiming to secure the first maximum points in the second round of the 2025/26 season. The Soweto giants were desperate for a win over Sekhukhune to keep the pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race.
Pirates dropped to second place after Sundowns beat Orbit College 2-0 on Monday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Before Downs’ win against the Mswenko Boys, the Sea Robbers had occupied the top spot on the log standings going into the 2025 AFCON break in December.
In the current campaign, Pirates have emerged as a team to watch under the guidance of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, having won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles.
The Ghosts have been tipped as one of the teams that can dethrone Sundowns from their dominance in the Premiership and win their league honours for the first time since 2012.
PIRATES STRUGGLED TO CREATE CLEAR-CUT CHANCES
In a match against Sekhukhune, Pirates dominated the opening exchanges of the encounter, creating most goal-scoring opportunities, but they could not find the back of the net. The match went into the half-time break goalless, leaving both clubs with all to do in the second-half.
With both sides looking for the first goal of the day, Sekhukhune won a free-kick on the edge of Pirates’ penalty box. Keletso Makgalwa stepped to take the free, but he couldn’t hit the target.
In a move to increase the chances of winning the game, Pirates coach introduced Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng in place of Patrick Maswanganyi and Deano Van Rooyen in the 62nd minute.
Despite the attacking changes, Pirates struggled to create clear-cut scoring chances in the second half, and the match ended goalless in Polokwane. In another match on Saturday, Chippa United claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Orbit College FC.
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