Orlando Pirates recorded their third 1-1 draw in four games under Mandla Ncikazi since he took over from Jose Riveiro.
Pirates were looking to finish the season with a flourish but poor finishing let them down as they ended with another 1-1 draw this time at home to Magesi.
The Buccaneers were up and running at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday when a well-worked freekick saw them score in style.
Relebohile Mpfokeng and Mohau Nkota took turns with dummies before the former passed the ball to an unmarked Patrick Maswanganyi on the edge of the box and ‘Tito’ fired home an unstoppable shot on his left foot to beat Elvis Chipezeze in the Magesi goal.
Magesi punish wasteful Buccaneers
In the 25th minute, it should have been 2-0 for Pirates when Mofokeng found an onrushing Thalente Mbatha with a great pass but the midfielder failed to connect well with the ball as the chance went begging.
Pirates would pay for the missed chance in the 32nd minute when a well worked move from Magesi saw them equalise.
Motsie Matima received the ball from midfield before passing it to Thabang Sibanyoni and the striker controlled it well and then found Edmore Chirambadare who was on his bike on the left wing.
The winger found space in the bottom corner and beyond an outstretched Sipho Chaine.
Pirates should have regained their lead when Maswanganyi found himself in space but Nkota played the ball late on the stroke of halftime.
Where does the draw leave Pirates?
After the break, it was all Pirates with Maswangayi setting up Nkota who struck directly at Chipezeze while Mabasa laid it on the plate for Mofokeng who fired over the bar.
Overall, Pirates ended the season with 61 points, equaling their tally of 2003, when they won the PSL, and with 19 wins although it was still 12 points behind runway leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
For Ncikazi, who has been in charge for four games, it is three draws and one win, and he will hope to play a part under the new coach, having been Riveiro’s assistant for the last three years.
It was a record-breaking season for the Buccaneers with a lot of positives to take to the 2025-26 campaign.
