Orlando Pirates' title hopes go down to last day after nervy Durban City stalemate

Orlando Pirates’ dream of winning their first Betway Premiership title in more than a decade will go down to the wire against Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium on the last day of the season next Saturday afternoon.

This comes after they dropped two crucial points during a goalless draw with Durban City at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Pirates remain second on the log with 66 points, two behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, whose fate is still out of their hands as they have completed their season and possess an inferior goal difference. City, meanwhile, will be pleased with the result. They consolidated an impressive return to top-flight football by securing a top-eight finish, having already won the Nedbank Cup a few weeks ago.

Pirates’ inability to wrap up the title at home will sting. The Ghost had filled the stadium in anticipation of witnessing the team win the trophy for the first time in 14 years. The Bucs arrived with clear intentions: win the match and go big on the celebrations ahead of the Orbit clash in Mbombela. But City had ambitions of their own — to delay and possibly spoil the party.

The Citizens stuck to their mandate, holding Pirates from start to finish. City’s game-plan was based on defensive discipline as they allowed Pirates to dominate possession, only to break up play in the final third and look to catch the hosts on the counter-attack.

Clad in a sharp black suit and crisp white shirt, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was dressed for a celebratory occasion. He did not undermine City either, notably introducing Siphiwe Selepe into the starting line-up in place of Makhahleni Makhaula.

Making his first appearance of the season, the midfielder repaid the faith shown in him. After shaking off some early jitters, he blended well in the engine room alongside Thalente Mbatha to bring defensive stability.

Standing restlessly on the touchline, Ouaddou cajoled his troops. Oswin Appollis seemed to heed the instructions, unleashing two thunderbolts at goal, but neither yielded the breakthrough as the City rearguard stood firm to block the danger.

Pirates’ search for an opener needed a change of plans when Yanela Mbuthuma limped off the pitch to be replaced by Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa tried to bulldoze his way past the Citizens’ defence, but he was stopped in his tracks, forcing the two teams to head into the break level.

Pirates returned for the second half with renewed vigour, with usual suspects Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng taking the game to the visitors. However, the Sea Robbers still could not sail into the calmer waters of a lead. Frederick Asare, who had been impressive since the first whistle, continued his fine exploits by making crucial saves to salvage an important point for his team.

Pirates are now left with no choice but to beat Orbit College in the final game of the season if they are to be crowned champions of the land.