Pirates held by mid-table Siwelele at home

Orlando Pirates’ hopes of winning the Betway Premiership for the first time since 2012 suffered an unexpected setback on Saturday when held 1-1 at home by mid-table Siwelele.

Former Pirate Vincent Pule gave the visiting team a 29th-minute lead, which Tshepang Moremi cancelled out by levelling six minutes into the second half.

A special one for Vincent Pule as he puts Siwelele in front against his old side 🔥🙌

Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/WTJ65WuaG4

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 14, 2026

But persistent pressure from Pirates failed to produce another goal, resulting in their first league draw in Soweto this season.

South Africa reserve goalkeeper Ricardo Goss was outstanding for Siwelele, making a series of superb saves.

Pirates lead defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns by one point, but have played one match more. Sundowns did not play in the Premiership this weekend as they had a CAF Champions League fixture.

With nine matches remaining, Pirates have 58 points, Sundowns will reach 60 points if they defeat relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Sundowns, owned by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, are seeking a ninth straight Premiership title. Pirates have been runners-up in the past three seasons.

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“I keep repeating myself in post-match interviews. We dominated the match but did not take our chances,” said Pirates’ Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

“Dominating possession does not mean winning. Our problems start when we reach the attacking third of the pitch. We lack the killer final pass.

“What does encourage me is that we are creating chances. I have a sense we are going to score a lot of goals against an opponent soon,” added the former Fulham defender.

While the title race has become a two-club affair, the battle for third place and CAF Confederation Cup qualification is intensifying.

Third-placed Sekhukhune United drew 0-0 at home with Polokwane City and were joined on 34 points by AmaZulu, who edged Richards Bay 2-1 in Durban thanks to a late Hendrick Ekstein goal.