Orlando Pirates’ scoring struggles continued as they played a goalless draw against SuperSport United in a DStv Premiership encounter on Sunday evening.
In their opening five games, Pirates have managed to score three goals, picking two wins, two draws and one loss.
The Soweto giants are yet to score more than one goal in a match despite creating several chances.
Against SuperSport, they dominated in the first half, keeping their opponents backpedalling. Of course, the hosts had an early opportunity, but Bradley Grobler’s diving header missed the target by a few inches.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said he was happy with the performance although he would have wanted to go back with maximum points.
“We played to get the three points tonight… first half we didn’t have to corrent anything.
“We dominated the game. In the second half, we controlled the game and then later the game was still under control but not the same capacity,” Riveiro told SuperSport TV in a post match interview.
While things did not work out upfront, the Spaniard said he was impressed by how his defence performed.
He benched captain Innocent Maela, opting to play with Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olisa Ndah.
“We couldn’t convert what we created but we were solid at the back. I’m happy with the performance because I wanted three points,” he added.
He believes if they are to start consistently collecting points, they need to start getting goals.
“[Scoring] goals is the most difficult thing to do in the game, it’s a question of confidence. We need to be more precise,” he said.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt said his youthful side was still a work in progress. Former Pirates forward Thamsanqa Gabuza could have won the game for them in the 83rd minute.
His miscued his effort just a metre away from the goal line. It was the first time they avoided conceding a goal this season.
In four games, SuperSport have conceded five goals and are yet to win a game.
