Orlando Pirates Reserves Held to Draw by Magesi in Diski Challenge

The Orlando Pirates Reserves experienced a frustrating morning as they were held by Magesi in a goalless Diski Challenge encounter at the Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday. Missed opportunities and moments of disarray characterized the match, ending in a 0-0 stalemate as neither side managed to capitalize on their chances.

This was a historic occasion for both teams as they faced each other for the first time in the Reserve League. Both teams were seeking redemption after suffering their first defeats of the 2024/25 season. Immediately after kick-off, Pirates committed a defensive blunder which Magesi failed to exploit as the resultant attempt at goal was off-target.

In the opening quarter, chances were rare on the opposite end, with the visiting Magesi team maintaining a solid defensive line. Pirates’ winger Seth Green managed to challenge Magesi’s goalkeeper, Sechaba Khota, in the 27th minute with a striking shot from out wide. Khota again demonstrated his skill by denying Simphiwe Masilela shortly after half-time.

The first half saw the Buccaneers gradually gaining momentum, although Magesi capitalized on some lapses in concentration to create opportunities against the run of play. However, Pirates’ defense, led by goalkeeper Khumoetsile Rathokolo and defender Nelson Ralenkoane, stood resilient to maintain the scoreless draw.

Near the end of the first half, Gosiame Ngobeni had a chance to score for the Buccaneers, but Khota thwarted the attempt. Magesi was the first to threaten in the second half, yet failed to find the back of the net. Pirates’ midfielder Cemran Dansin also had two chances but could not deliver a decisive strike.

Substitutes Junior Williams and Aphelele Nzimande were swiftly involved in action upon their introduction after the hour mark. Williams forced a close-range save from Khota, while Nzimande’s effort from a free kick rattled the crossbar.

The final moments were marked by further missed chances following defensive errors. Magesi came perilously close to scoring after a defensive mistake by Green, who subsequently worked to make amends by threatening Khota’s goal. Khota continued his impressive performance by also denying Siphamandla Msezane from a rebound.

In stoppage time, Nzimande made another attempt to secure victory for the home side but was again denied by the steadfast Magesi defense. Despite a late surge from Orlando Pirates Reserves, Magesi’s resilient hold on their defenses ensured a shared point from the encounter.

Pirates Reserves XI: Rathokolo, Ralenkoane, Sibiya, Mokone, Mohlala, Selepe, Dansin (Williams 64’), Masilela, Green, Ngobeni (Nzimande 64’), Msezane.