Orlando Pirates Reserves had to settle for a point once more in the DStv Diski Challenge following their 2-2 draw against Cape Town City in their game at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday. It was a second stalemate in as many fixtures in the 2024/25 campaign for the Bucs Reserves, who got off the mark under the goals column after failing to find the net in their season opener.
They were quick to assert dominance over City in KwaMhlanga, creating their first chance inside the first five minutes. They came close through Simphiwe Masilela, who was played through on the left, only to be denied by goalkeeper Zukisa Mtuzula.
Pirates were stunned at the other end as the young Citizens took the lead in the 16th minute, with Shakeel April finding a way past Ethan Visagie with a fine strike to make it 1-0. The team from the Mother City only remained ahead for five minutes as Bucs skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck back from close range after the defence failed to deal with a ball delivered into the box from a corner.
One then quickly became two for the young Buccaneers, who took the lead in the 23rd minute through a brilliantly-worked team goal finished off by Siphamandla Msezane after a link-up between Seth Green and Masilela on the right flank.
With Pirates looking firmly in control, they had an opportunity to further extend their lead after the half-hour mark when they were awarded a free kick deep in opposition territory. The set piece was taken by Dimpho Mdalane, who drew a save from Mtuzula.
They continued to probe with Mazibuko and Green both sparked opportunities for themselves without affecting the scoreboard.
The second half began with Masilela finding a way into City’s penalty area once more, with his attempt at goal blocked. Mazibuko followed suit as he got the end of a pass from Green before he was denied the opportunity to get a shot away. The missed chances came back to haunt the Bucs Reserves as the visitors levelled matters after the hour mark as April completed his brace with a fine shot into the net.
They looked to wrestle their way into the lead, forcing Visagie into a couple of fine saves late in the contest. Pirates meanwhile had the opportunity to claim a last-gasp winner with replacement midfielder Cemran Dansin darting inside from the flank before hooking his shot wide of the target.
Two-goals apiece is how it remained in KwaMhlanga, as the first win of the new season remained elusive to the young Buccaneers.
Pirates Reserves XI: Visagie, Mbokazi, Ralenkoane, Selepe, Madalane, Moagi, Ngwenya, Green (Maphumulo 85’), Masilela (Ngobeni 64’), Mazibuko (Dansin 64’), Msezane (Mohlala 85’).
