Orlando Pirates missed a golden opportunity to open a three-point lead
at the top of the Betway Premiership after being held to a 1-1 draw by a
resilient Siwelele side at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Betway Premiership Matchday
- Result: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Siwelele FC
- Date: 14 March 2026
- Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made just one change to the side that
defeated Richards Bay midweek, with Nkosikhona Ndaba coming in at left-back
in place of Deon Hotto. Siwelele, meanwhile, recalled Tebogo Potsane and
Relebogile Mokhuoane following their goalless draw with Stellenbosch 11 days
ago.
The Buccaneers controlled possession from the outset, with Oswin Appollis
and Thalente Mbatha dictating play through the middle. The duo carved open
Siwelele’s defence with incisive through-balls, but Tshepang Moremi was
unable to capitalise on two promising openings.
Pirates came close to breaking the deadlock on 20 minutes when Kamogelo
Sebelebele raced to the byline and pulled back for Yanela Mbuthuma, whose
inventive near-post flick forced goalkeeper Ricardo Goss into a sharp save.
Against the run of play, it was Siwelele who struck first. Potsane won
possession high up the pitch and played in former Buccaneer Vincent Pule,
who carved out space before unleashing a precise finish into the far corner
from the edge of the box.
The hosts responded after the interval, needing just six minutes to restore
parity. Moremi latched onto a pass from Mbatha before calmly slotting past
Goss to send the home fans into celebration.
Pirates pushed for a winner, with Ouaddou introducing Evidence Makgopa and
Deon Hotto just after the hour mark. The changes nearly paid dividends in
the 71st minute when Makgopa deflected Goss’ clearance into the path of
Moremi, but the Siwelele goalkeeper recovered brilliantly to deny the winger
what looked a certain goal.
The hosts threw everything forward in the closing stages, with Relebohile
Mofokeng coming closest in the final 10 minutes—but he could only direct a
headed chance wide. Pirates were forced to settle for a point.
As a result, Mamelodi Sundowns can move top of the table when they face
Marumo Gallants on Tuesday evening.
Team Lineups
Orlando Pirates:
24. Chaine, 36. Sebelebele, 5. Sibisi, 33. Seema, 3. Ndaba, 8. Makhaula, 16.
Mbatha, 12. Appollis, 38. Mofokeng, 11. Moremi, 9. Mbuthuma.
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 43. Chabatsane, 23. Mbule, 7. Hotto, 28. Maswanganyi,
21. Van Rooyen, 17. Makgopa, 15. Nemtajela, 14. De Jong.
Siwelele:
13. Goss, 2. T. Makhele, 22. Mfolozi, 2. Mobbie, 3. Rapoo, 15. Mokhuoane,
23.Margeman, 16. Potsane, 10. Pule, 20. Ohizu, 11. Saile.
Subs: 30. Xulu, 19. Lekay, 41. Mazibuko, 6. Moralo, 38. Ngwato, 36.
Letshedi, 28. M.Mokhele, 29. Baliti, 4. Sanoka.
