‘Average’ Pirates draw against Platinum Stars

Sphamandla Mlilo of Platinum Stars challenges Bernard Morrison of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars on the 27 September 2016 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Sphamandla Mlilo of Platinum Stars challenges Bernard Morrison of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars on the 27 September 2016 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Published Sep 27, 2016

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Orlando Stadium

Orlando Pirates(0) 1

Kutumela 77

Platinum Stars(0) 1

Kunene 91

A win would have been first priority for Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson to bounce back from a shock defeat to Absa Premiership rookies Baroka FC at the weekend, but this was a credible draw, one that comes a week after they fought for a point against Orlando Pirates’ bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

But the focus was on Muhsin Ertugral as the Buccaneers could not break this stubborn Dikwena side in their own backyard. Critics will be quick to point out that this was yet another stalemate for Pirates, who were held to a goalless draw at this venue a week ago by Cape Town City. Perhaps the failure to register a win after getting off to a flyer in their opening two league matches will not be the major talking point – the body language and the lack of excitement on show here on the night was worrying for a team desperate to win things again.

Last season’s seventh-place finish is hard to forget, and this average performance – at the best – did not help. Ertugral promised entertaining football, and duly delivered in the Buccaneers’ first two league matches, resulting in a 3-1 demolition of current log leaders Golden Arrows and followed that up by beating Ajax Cape Town 2-1 away from home.

Many will look to their return home from that trip to the Mother City and a turning point in how their form has gone pear-shaped. Ertugral was caught on camera having an argument with defender Edwin Gyimah at the airport, and that may have disrupted the mood in the camp. But the optimists will argue the second half performance against Dikwena, despite conceding a goal so late in the match to settle for a draw, is something to build on.

So, it isn’t all that bad for Pirates.

Yes, the goals seem to have dried up for Tendai Ndoro, but, fortunately for the Buccaneers, they don’t appear to be a one-man team. With the clock winding down and a first half display that suggested the they would settle for yet another draw against visitors Dikwena, coach Ertugral rang the changes – bringing on exciting young players that could make an even bigger impact much later on in this Premiership title race.

Thabiso Kutumela, signed from Baroka FC at the end of the previous season where he had finished as the National First Division top scorer, came of the bench to give Pirates some much needed energy and mobility upfront. Ndoro was struggling and never looked like he’d add to his five league goals until he was paired with Kutumela ten minutes into the second half. It’s food for thought for Ertugral, who has so far relied on Ndoro as a lone ranger in attack, with Bernard Morrison just behind him in a supporting role.

Pirates, and their opponents to some extent, were pretty lifeless in the first half. Shots going wide and carelessly losing the ball in midfield despite the fact that they were enjoying the lion’s share of the possession. A different team turned up in the second half, while Dikwena faded and could not handle the onslaught. This culminated in Kutumela being fouled just outside the penalty box and in move that would have probably resulted with Pirates breaking the deadlock. Confident enough, he got up to take the free kick and brilliantly curled it past goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela.

With the game all but over, another substitute in Thobani Kunene snuck in behind the Pirates defence and headed home the equaliser to give Dikwena yet another credible draw. Lots of work to be done for the Buccaneers, but the visitors can be proud.

@superjourno

@extrastrongsa

Independent Media

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