Orlando Pirates were unable to rack up a third successive DStv Premiership win after they were held 0-0 by Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Looking to add to their wins over Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs prior to the international break, the Buccaneers lacked penetration in attack and were unable to capitalise on their dominance of possession.
As for the Natal Rich Boyz, their performance was underpinned by a disciplined and determined defensive effort.
The result sees Pirates drop to eighth place on the log, eight points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Bay remain in 15th (the relegation playoff berth) and are just one point from safety.
☠️ FT || @RichardsBayFC_ 0 - 0 @orlandopirates
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 25, 2023
🎙 Midfielder | Fortune Makaringe
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/qvFLmjxnE9
Bay started strongly and forced sharp saves from Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi in the early minutes, with striker Yanela Mbuthuma causing all kinds of problems with his pace and physical presence.
The Soweto side settled down and began to dominate possession, though they struggled to create chances with which to test out Bay goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.
In fact, the hosts nearly claimed the lead on the half-hour mark when Thulani Gumede forced a shot on target, but saw Buthelezi deny him with another good save.
The Buccaneers once again regained control of possession toward the latter stages of the first half, but went into the break with the score at 0-0 and having failed to have a single effort on target.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Pirates having to wait until the 69th minute to have their first shot on goal, with Thapelo Xoki’s effort direct from a free kick looking destined for the top corner, only for Mabokgwane to make a fine save.
Shortly thereafter, Bay needed Mbuthuma to make a clearance off his own goal line as the Soweto side threatened from a corner kick.
Pirates threw on the likes of Monnapule Saleng and Kermit Erasmus to try and gain some cutting edge in the final third, but the Natal Rich Boyz’s resilient defence stood firm and held out for a stalemate.
The visitors’ frustrations were encapsulated by unused substitute Thabang Monare being sent off at the end of regulation time for remonstrating with the referee, while Bucs did hit the crossbar – via the hand of the excellent Mabokgwane – deep in added time.
Bay will next be in action in the Carling Knockout semifinals, where they will face Stellenbosch FC next weekend, while Pirates’ next league clash is at home to Soweto rivals Moroka Swallows on 5 December.
MOTM Simphiwe Mcineka 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DnjpJugdyb
— Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) November 25, 2023
Richards Bay 0
Orlando Pirates 0
Bay: Mabokgwane, Dlamini, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Banda, Komane, Barns (Mabuya 79’), Mthembu (Mabaso 86’), Mhlongo (Dube 90+5’), Gumede, Mbuthuma
Pirates: Buthelezi, Mofokeng (Dlamini 66’), Ndah, Nyongo, Hotto, Makaringe, Timm, Ndlondlo (Kimvuidi 79’), Pule (Erasmus 79’), Maswanganyi, Makgopa (Saleng 66’)