Orlando Pirates’ ruthlessness in their bid to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns as Betway Premiership champions was handed a stubborn check in the 2-2 draw with Richards Bay at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday evening.
On an evening, the Natal Rich Boyz were resilient and almost caused a disastrous end to the Soweto giants’ outing, the Buccaneers could feel lucky returning to Gauteng with a point in the bag following a stoppage-time equaliser. But it is now an advantage to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after Pirates failed to go top of the table as they remain second.
Sundowns enjoy a point lead, which they could extend, having played a game less than their bitter rivals. Going into Friday’s match against the background of a two-match winning run, which included scoring 11 goals without reply, Pirates were suddenly vulnerable to their hosts.
The Soweto giants’ rampaging mode might have forced Richards Bay co-coaches Papi Zothwane and Ronnie Gabriel to make a change to the line-up that upset Stellenbosch FC 2-1 in midweek. Lwandile Mabuya stepped in for Sbani Khumalo at right-back as the only tweak.
But for Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, it was a matter of, ‘why fix it when it’s not broken?’ The Moroccan retained the team that started in the 5-0 drubbing of Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
It was an evening the Buccaneers enjoyed better chances in the first half, especially in the early stages. But it was difficult to translate them into goals. Kamogelo Sebelebele came close while Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno made a crucial save to deny Thalente Mbatha.
The Kenyan international shot-stopper then faced Yanela Mbuthuma’s headed effort. He then survived when he spilt Deon Hotto’s deceiving corner kick that was goal-bound. One of his defenders cleared the danger. But the Buccaneers found themselves trailing after 10 minutes when Thulani Gumede beat Sipho Chaine with a beautifully struck volley.
RICHARDS BAY THREATENED TO UPSET PIRATES WITH FIRST-HALF LEAD
A narrow 1–0 lead going into the halftime break gave the hosts the tone they needed, even after Pirates struck back. Oswin Appollis equalised for Ouaddou’s side seven minutes into the second stanza. He shot at close range to beat a stubborn Otieno, while capitalising on some poor marking by the opponents.
As Pirates came back into contention and plotted to take the lead, the Natal Rich Boyz reclaimed the advantage when Lindokuhle Zikhali fired a grounder that beat Chaine from outside the box again.
The Buccaneers thought they had equalised at the death. But the referee adjudged that Andre de Jong had pushed Otieno as Hotto finished off an attack. Shortly after, in stoppage time, Lebone Seema unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. That beat Otieno and registered a Pirates equaliser for a share of the spoils.
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