The troubled Orlando Pirates’ ship continued to flounder in turbulent waters at Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night — with the Buccaneers surrendering their Premier Soccer League lead for the first time since the opening weeks of the season after a goalless draw against modest Classic.
Mamelodi Sundowns are the new pacesetters after simultaneously whipping Dynamos 4-0 in Giyani and vaulting over Pirates by a point with a game in hand and a vastly superior goal difference.
The veritable cloudburst that enveloped Johannesburg Stadium towards the end of the game symbolised the gloom and doom of Pirates’ supporters after their team’s twin derby defeats against Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows and a draw that takes the Buccaneers’ tally from their past three games to a meagre one point.
What made matters worse for Pirates is not simply that they are not improving, but that matters are getting worse.
Apart from the team’s horrific finishing, the silky smooth build-up is now deteriorating as diminishing confidence seems to be eroding the team’s performance further.
A gritty Classic, who are battling in the relegation zone since the club’s change of ownership and move to Pietermaritzburg, took advantage of their opponent’s scoring lapses and defended as though their lives depended on it.
”We came to Gauteng this week for away games against such vaunted opponents as Supersport and Pirates,” commented coach Trott Moloto, ”and we are going home with two draws. What more can I say?”
Indeed, following a snap counter-attack in the 72nd minute, Classic’s Thabang Roy missed a golden opportunity of giving his team the lead when he headed wide from 4m with Pirates goalkeeper Francis Chansa out-of-position.
Mostly, however, it was the Buccaneers who hovered in the vicinity of the Classic penalty area. Benedict Vilakazi was unfortunate not to open the score in the 37th minute after a skilful foray ended with the ball striking the post. Phumudzo Manhenze, Joseph Makhanya, substitute Lelo Mbele and the usually reliable Vilakazi and Isaac Chansa all squandered inviting opportunities.
Pirates coach Kosta Papic clutched his head in disbelief, but even the late introduction of two newcomers failed to break the deadlock.
And with 68th-minute substitute Molefi Ntsoelengoe adding punch and direction to the Classic midfield, the Pietermaritzburg team were singing in the rain and well worth a point at the end. — Sapa