The Brazilians play to a goalless draw against Pirates

The much-anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates arrived, the scene was set and both teams came to the party. Three points were at stake and an opportunity to close the gap from the log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

The game had all the ingredients for a humdinger but the break from football showed as both sides were cautious from the start and it showed with the number of opportunities created. Keletso Makgalwa and Sphelele Mkhulise were proving to be a thorn in the defence of the visitors and the latter had an opportunity to take a shot but Ntsikelelo Nyauza was quick to block his attempt. Going into the break the score was 0-0.

The Buccaneers almost took the lead as Fortune Makaringe found himself in the box and had his shot fingertipped by the evergreen Dennis Onyango and hit the post in the 57th minute.

Coach Pitso Mosimane called upon Andile Jali to come in and give the Brazilians some firepower going forward as he came in for Lyle Lakay and the change proved to be vital as Masandawana kept fighting in the middle of the park. Onyango was called up again as he saved a long-range shot from Vincent Pule. With the game slowly fading away both sides were cautious in not conceding a goal and the match ended in a stalemate and both sides going away with a point.

Next up in the Absa Premiership is Highlands Park away on Friday at 18:00

What Coach Pitso Mosimane said:
“Difficult game and a game of two halves, we controlled the first half and I must give the Buccaneers the second one. They had chances and did well and they could have hurt us. We could have had something in the box but it was not one of our best games. A point we can take under the circumstances”

How we lined up:
Onyango, Lebusa (Langerman 71′), Nascimento, Madisha (Arendse 90′), Lakay( Jal i62′), Coetzee, Mkhulise, Kekana, Makgalwa (Meza 71′, Zwane (Vilakazi 90′), Maboe

Mweene, Vilakazi, Mkhuma, Mabunda, Meza, Jali, Langerman, Lukhubeni, Arendse

7 Responses
  1. Ayanda

    Pirates were better than us and a point is better than nothing.The team was so conservative and cautious to the point that only one clear cut chance was created.there was no way we were going to be offensive and daring since we know our problem at the centre back, the team is compromised because we don’t have speedy centre backs and that is why we will also struggle to advance to the CCL final next season.Because we are playing weak opposition in the psl we think that we are fine at the back yet we are not.Thanks that the team has recruited young players for the next season because age is beginning to show against a few players. Combination of Sammy Seabe and Coetzee can be tried and make Keke a supersub .

    1. Khayz & Witness

      Good point, one slice of bread is better than
      nothing, Our weakness
      Is in the midfield, we have
      player who are unable to
      win a tackle, player who
      unable to track the runner , our team is very
      Disjointed, thanks for fielding Madisha,Makgalwa & Mkhulise

  2. Lamamelodi

    I share the same sentiment with members above. Our coaching staff need to smell the coffee soon rather than later. We all know that players did not have a chance to kick the ball for the past five months but as you look at how Wits played us on Saturday in the Nedbank, and Pirates team yesterday, you can tell that teams are committed to end the season at a high note, than making excuses. As for our middle field, I just wish the coach can start with Mabunda in the next game but also for Andile to start with the game, so far he (Andile) seems lost when introduced as a sub.

  3. DOWNS4EVER

    Honestly we didn’t deserve the point yesterday,we can blame the defense but,the real problem is our defensive middle field,Kekana was non existent,couldn’t even make one complete pass lost the ball all the time and was very tied yet he played 90 minuets.We need to try different combination on Friday,the Jali and Cotzee and rest our captain.Pls don’t over work him coz we still need him too much.Madisha and Onyango saved us last night.If we can win all our remaining games then we win this league.

  4. Brian

    Our midfield is really non existent. In both the Pirates and Wits game Riva and Hlompho were a freeway. We love and respect our captain but he seems to be coming slow into the games and at this point we really need players who will hit the ground running. Im disappointed Jali isn’t starting games cos we know how much of a warrior he is in that position. As for our front, I really hope Gift Motupa will be a good fit for our team. We really need a striker.