Sides fail to impress
ORLANDO Pirates were held to a goalless draw by University of Pretoria in one of the worst Premier Soccer League games of the season at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto last night.
Back in league action after playing in the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend, the Buccaneers failed to stamp their authority against Tuks, who have not won in six matches now.
Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler used the game to give an opportunity for fringe players to impress. Tshepo Gumede had his first start in central defence, Khethowakhe Masuku got the nod to start on the right wing and Thabo Rakhale, who is the team’s super sub, was given an opportunity to show what he can do from the start. Rakhale was unable to make the kind of impact he usually does when he comes on in the second half.
The interim boss left out captain Oupa Manyisa and he was missed in midfield. The man who play in Manyisa’s role, Mpho Makola, was far too quiet and did not get the ball forward enough for strikers Lehlohonolo Majoro and Lennox Bacela, who were both forced to drop into midfield to search for possession.
The first half was poor and chances were few at both ends. The goalkeepers were not forced to make any saves and the second half was not any better. Passes went astray and first touches were poor.
The one thing Tinkler would have been happy about is that Pirates kept a clean sheet after conceding seven goals in their three matches leading up to last night’s encounter, including the 2-2 draw with FC Mounana in the Confederation Cup last Sunday.
Tuks can still finish in the play-off position and be relegated if they lose their remaining matches and Free State Stars and AmaZulu win theirs.