In their first game following the departure of head coach Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy on Saturday afternoon.
Mandla Ncikazi was in charge, assisted by the rest of the technical team. The Buccaneers made one change from their previous game bringing in Patrick Maswanganyi for Makhehlene Makhaula.
Looking for an early goal, Tshegofatso Mabasa found the side-netting after attacking a corner in the third minute. TS Galaxy also created an early opportunity, with Khayelihle Ncube's close-range half-volley drifting wide of Sipho Chaine's goal just five minutes later.
The first half lacked significant goalmouth action, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities.
The best chance of the half fell to TS Galaxy just before the break, as Victor Letsoalo's header flashed narrowly past the post.
The start of the second half saw changes for both teams: Melusi Buthelezi replaced Sipho Chaine in the Pirates' goal, and Mpho Mvelase came on for Khayelihle Ncube for Galaxy.
Nhlanhla Mgaga then tried his luck from distance for Galaxy, but his shot was comfortable for Buthelezi. Pirates responded with Tshegofatso Mabasa firing wide after a good exchange with Maswanganyi.
SHANDU SCORING IN BACK-TO-BACK MATCHES
Pirates found the decisive breakthrough late in the game when Bandile Shandu timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and convert Mohau Nkota's delivery.
TS Galaxy sought an immediate response, with Keagan Dolly's curling shot from distance going just wide.
The Buccaneers then had a golden opportunity to seal the win in the final minutes, but Ira Tape denied Deon Hotto after he was played through by Mofokeng.
Just when it seemed Pirates had secured the victory, their former player Mpho Mvelase haunted them as he punished a late defensive error in added time, firing home to earn TS Galaxy a dramatic 1-1 draw.
