Orlando Pirates’ aspirations of contending for the Betway Premiership crown suffered a significant setback following a frustrating goalless draw against a 10-man Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday. The stalemate leaves the Buccaneers trailing league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by a daunting 18 points, although they still hold four games in hand.
A Golden Opportunity Missed
In a match that lacked fluidity, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was left exasperated as his side failed to make the most of their numerical advantage. Stellenbosch found themselves reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when Brian Onyango received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Tshegofatso Mabasa just outside the penalty area.
Despite the advantage, the Buccaneers struggled to break through Stellenbosch’s defensive setup. Their closest attempt came from the subsequent free kick, with Kabelo Dlamini’s strike rattling the crossbar. Pirates dominated possession with 72% of the ball and registered 10 shots, but only three tested the goalkeeper. Their failure to convert opportunities ultimately proved costly.
Riveiro’s Concerns Over Orlando Pirates’ Display
Following the match, Riveiro admitted that his side found it difficult to unlock Stellenbosch’s defense. “I believe we played better against 11 men,” he told SuperSport. “After they went down to 10, they had no intention of attacking, which made it harder to find spaces.”
Although Pirates dictated the tempo, the coach acknowledged their shortcomings in creating clear-cut opportunities. “We had possession, but we lacked enough decisive moments in the box. We tried, but we couldn’t capitalize. It was challenging, though that shouldn’t be an excuse.”
The draw marked Pirates’ first of the season after 18 matches and came at a critical juncture. Riveiro conceded that dropping points in such fixtures could be damaging to their title hopes. “We take the point, but it’s not what we wanted. We aim to win every match, but credit must be given to our opponents for their defensive effort.”
Sundowns Strengthen Their Grip on the Title
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns continued their relentless march toward another league triumph with a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu. Goals from Peter Shalulile and Arthur Sales ensured maximum points for the defending champions, who now command the standings with 58 points, further cementing their dominance.
Is the Title Still Within Reach for Pirates?
Despite holding four games in hand, the Buccaneers face an uphill battle. Even if they secure victories in all those fixtures, they would still trail Sundowns by six points—assuming the log leaders maintain their winning streak. With such a slim margin for error, Pirates cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to keep their fading title ambitions alive.
Jose Riveiro’s side must now shift their focus to winning every remaining fixture while hoping Sundowns falter along the way. However, given the Brazilians’ remarkable consistency, Pirates’ title aspirations may already be slipping away. The Buccaneers must now regroup and ensure they remain competitive. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining whether they can rekindle their championship push or settle for a fight for second place.
Related article: Monnapule Saleng Returns to Orlando Pirates First Team Training
