Orlando Pirates’ domestic woes continued on Wednesday evening as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sekhukhune United.
Still reeling from their painful CAF Champions League semi-final exit against Pyramids just a few days earlier, the Buccaneers were looking to bounce back and restore some pride in front of their home supporters.
Head coach Jose Riveiro made three changes to the side that fell short in continental competition, bringing in Paseka Mako, Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini to freshen up the squad. Tapelo Xoki, Deano Van Rooyen, and Makhehlene Makhaula dropped to the bench.
Despite their midweek heartbreak, Pirates started the match with intent, showing urgency and composure as they attempted to control possession and dictate the tempo early on.
However, Sekhukhune United, under the experienced guidance of Eric Tinkler, were well-organized and disciplined defensively. Babina Noko refused to be drawn out of shape and dealt well with the early Pirates pressure.
Midway through the first half, the Buccaneers carved out their first major opportunity. Relebohile Mofokeng, who remained a bright spark in an otherwise subdued Pirates attack, whipped in a dangerous cross from the right.
The delivery found Bandile Shandu unmarked inside the area, but the fullback squandered the chance, sending his shot high and wide of the target – a glaring miss that summed up Pirates’ attacking frustrations.
As the half progressed, Pirates continued to probe, with Kabelo Dlamini trying to link up play from midfield and stretch the Sekhukhune defence. However, the visitors maintained their compact shape and grew in confidence as the match wore on.
Late in the half, Mofokeng tested Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner with a fierce drive from the edge of the box, but the shot-stopper parried it away confidently.
Sekhukhune United began to assert themselves more just before halftime, managing longer spells of possession and looking to hit Pirates on the counter. However, they too lacked the final touch in the attacking third. The first 45 minutes came to a close with the score still goalless, though both sides had shown flashes of promise.
The second half began with more urgency from both sides. Pirates pressed higher up the pitch, hoping to force mistakes and capitalise on quick transitions. Yet despite their territorial advantage, clear-cut chances remained few and far between.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, remained patient and pounced on a rare opportunity just before the hour mark. A lapse in concentration in the Pirates’ backline allowed the visitors to break through, and they took full advantage to slot home the opener – a goal that would ultimately decide the match.
Jose Riveiro responded with a triple substitution, introducing fresh legs to try and swing momentum back in Pirates’ favour.
The Buccaneers threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but a combination of poor decision-making and resolute defending from Sekhukhune denied them time and time again.