Pirates’ slow league start continues with AmaZulu draw

Orlando Pirates were held to goalless draw by AmaZulu FC, thanks to their solid defending in a DStv Premiership tie played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.

The draw is a huge setback for the Buccaneers, who are on a quest to collect as many points as they can to close the gap between themselves and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates are playing catch up in the league, having now played just six games. They have only managed to collect eight points, putting them in 13^th spot on the league table.

Usuthu are in 10^th place with 11 points from nine matches.

It was a very cagey affair between the two sides in the opening minutes, but Pirates had much more of the ball possession than their counterparts.

The visitors managed to make a number of entries in the Usuthu box, but they weren’t able to create clearcut chances to get a goal.

AmaZulu were trying to find their rhythm, but it was difficult, especially in the first 30 minutes of the match.

The home side were dealt with a huge injury blow when Taariq Fielies, who scored the winner against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout on Saturday, was forced out of the game due to an injury in the 18^th minute.  

The defender was immediately replaced by Veluyeke Zulu, but the substitute didn’t last long as he also had to leave the field due to an injury, forcing coach Pablo Franco-Martin to once again change his tactics. Martin brought on Thembela Sikhakhane for Zulu.

Pirates took the tempo of the game up a bit in search of the opening goal in the second half, but none of their attacks, mostly through Thembinkosi Lorch on the left side of attack, were fruitful.

Makgopa chance

Bucs striker Evidence Makgopa wasted a glorious opportunity in the 76^th minute after the striker failed to put the ball on target with his head from a well taken cross by Karim Kimvuidi.  

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro made some changes and brought on their top scorer Zakhele Lepasa to help them win the game. But the striker couldn’t do much as Usuthu remained firm at the back despite some promising attacks by Bucs, leaving the teams to share the spoils.