by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Betway Premiership defending champions Orlando Pirates were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in a tightly contested Betway Premiership encounter at Kings Park on Wednesday night, with the Buccaneers left to rue a string of missed opportunities.
The result takes Pirates to four points from their opening two matches of the 2026/27 campaign, keeping them second on the league standings. The Buccaneers will remain in Durban ahead of another fixture at the same venue this weekend.
Both sides needed time to adjust to the difficult underfoot conditions, with AmaZulu creating the first opening of the match. Mlondi Mbanjwa’s headed flick from an early corner in the third minute appeared destined for goal before a deflection took it away from danger.
Pirates soon settled into the contest and made their first meaningful attack count. Former AmaZulu player Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring against his former club after Yanela Mbuthuma’s effort was parried by goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi. Moremi reacted quickest to the loose ball, calmly turning it into the net to register his second goal of the season.
The Buccaneers could have extended their advantage before the interval, with Mbuthuma and Gamphani Lungu both presented with promising opportunities. However, neither could find the target.
Those missed chances proved costly just before half-time. AmaZulu finally found space inside the Pirates penalty area and were awarded a spot-kick after Kamogelo Sebelebele was adjudged to have fouled Mbanjwa.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity and send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half became increasingly physical, with Pirates forced into an early change after midfielder Sihle Nduli was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Ngwenya. Further substitutions followed as both teams searched for a winning goal.
Pirates introduced Oswin Appollis, who immediately threatened from distance, although his effort was struck straight at Kouassi.
The visitors then came agonisingly close to reclaiming the lead. Mbuthuma found himself with a chance from close range, but Kouassi produced an excellent save to divert the effort onto the crossbar.
Pirates continued to apply pressure as the match entered its final stages. Substitute striker Boitumelo Radiopane tested Kouassi with a header in the 81st minute after connecting with a dangerous cross from Patrick Maswanganyi, but the AmaZulu goalkeeper was equal to the challenge.
The closing stages produced chances at both ends as both teams pushed for a decisive breakthrough. Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi made an important defensive intervention, throwing himself in the way of Langelihle Mhlongo’s effort to prevent AmaZulu from snatching the winner.
At the other end, Omega Mdaka produced a similarly crucial intervention, denying Lungu in the dying moments as Pirates pressed for a late winner.
Neither side could find the decisive goal, leaving the spoils shared after an entertaining but frustrating encounter for the Buccaneers.
For Pirates, the draw marked an encouraging unbeaten start to the campaign but also highlighted the importance of converting their chances as they continue their week-long stay in Durban. They play another away fixture, this time against Chippa United who are currently “homeless”, as their usual home grounds, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha and Buffalo City Stadium in East London — are currently unavailable, forcing the club to play all its home matches away from the Eastern Cape for now.
Kick-off on Sunday is at 15:00pm.
