Bucs Reserves Fight Back to Claim Vital Point

12 March, 2023

Orlando Pirates Reserves held Cape Town City to a 1-1 draw in their DStv Diski Challenge fixture held at Malta Park Sports Ground in Cape Town on Sunday morning.

It was a crucial top-of-the-table clash, with the Bucs Reserves looking to stay in the title chase after dropping down to third in the standings, while the young Citizens sought to consolidate their spot at the top.

After both sides employed a cautious approach in the opening exchanges, the game opened up midway through the first half as Relebohile Ratomo found a way through the defence before drawing a save from the keeper.

City duly responded by creating a chance of their own at the other end, where Bucs keeper Siyabonga Dladla pulled off a fantastic save to keep out a shot from point-blank range.

He remained the busier of the two shot-stoppers as he made another excellent stop seven minutes from the break, but his defences were soon breached five minutes later as the hosts made it 1-0.

Looking to equalise, the Buccaneers were the first to threaten in the second half as Ratomo’s cross located Gomolemo Khoto in the 50th minute, with the winger only managing to send his shot wide.

Njabulo Mndebele tried to conjure up some magic moments later as he ran through the defence before rattling the post with a well-struck effort.

The visitors were afforded a golden opportunity to draw level just after the hour mark, when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Khoto was pushed inside the box.

Midfielder Sonwabo Khumalo stepped up to the plate and calmly slotted home to make it 1-1 with a little over a half hour remaining.

Not satisfied with the equaliser, Pirates went in search of the winner, but were unable to punch holes in the defence.

Dladla’s busy morning resumed late in the contest as he was called upon in the dying moments, producing another fine save to deny City.

Things remained level as the final whistle sounded, with the Buccaneers grabbing a vital point as the campaign reaches its final stretch.

Pirates Reserves XI: Dladla, Kabini, Ngiba, Mokone, Mohlala, Khumalo (Mothapo 85’), Molepo, Mndebele (Moremi 75’), Khoto (Mdunge 85’), Ratomo, Nkota (Ndaba 75’).