Orlando Pirates' stuttering form in the DStv Premiership continued after playing to a goalless draw against AmaZulu on Tuesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: AmaZulu 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 24 October 2023
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Pirates made three changes from their win over Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Knockout, as goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi made his first start alongside the return of Thabiso Monyane and Siphelo Baloni.
The Buccaneers were also boosted by the return from injuries of Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa, who both started from the bench.
Jose Riveiro's charges had a bright start as Monyane had the first shot on target with 15 minutes on the clock after going through at the near post but his effort saved by shot-stopper Veli Mothwa.
However, the flow of the game, especially for AmaZulu, was interrupted by injuries, as Veluyeke Zulu, who replaced Taariq Fielies midway through the first stanza, also sustained an injury towards the end of the first stanza and was replaced by Thembela Sikhakhane.
Usuthu had an improved display going forward in the tail end of the first stanza but they could not test Buthelezi, as the sides went to the break deadlocked.
The start of the second stanza could not produce goal-mouth action and to jack up the Pirates performance, Riveiro made a double change on 66 minutes as Karim Kimvuidi and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo both replaced Baloni and Kermit Erasmus.
The Buccaneers started to combine better after that as Evidence Makgopa had a chance to break the deadlock with 12 minutes remaining but guided a free header wide from a cross by Kimvuidi.
The Soweto giants threw in Saleng and Lepasa in the closing stages, as they pressurized AmaZulu looking for the winner.
The visitors gained momentum in the dying minutes and Patrick Maswanganyi had a chance in stoppage time after a lob in the box gave him space to have a shot at goal but he volleyed his effort over the crossbar and the sides shared the spoils.
As a result, Pirates moved two points above the relegation zone in 13th spot on the log, although they have at least two games in hand.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mphahlele, Gumede, Motshwari, Brooks, Dion, Ekstein, Mbanjwa
Subs: Mzimela, Mabiliso, Sikhakhane, Zulu, Maluleka, Human, Ngema, Moremi, Kwem
Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Xoki, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Baloni, Monare, Maswanganyi, Lorch, Makgopa, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Sesame, Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Kimvuidi, Otladisa, Lepasa
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