Orlando Pirates started the 2021 DStv Premiership season in South Africa with a 2-2 draw against Stellenbosch on Saturday afternoon.
It was an eventful match that produced goals and a red card at Orlando Stadium where Pirates were reduced to 10 men.
Pirates were seeking to improve on their third-place finish of last season now that they under the reign of Mandla Ncikazi following the resignation of German coach Josef Zinnabauer last week.
However, the Soweto giants did not get the start to the game they hoped for. Instead, it was the visitors who created the first impression.
Striker Waseem Isaacs put Stellenbosch ahead in the second minute of the game with a powerful shot which beat Pirates’ Ghanian goalkeeper Richard Ofori via a deflection.
However, Pirates replied in fashion as Namibian winger Deon Hotto scored through a free-kick to the far top-right corner in the 18th minute.
The action was balanced, swinging from one end to the other. However, the hosts courted trouble in the 42nd minute.
Pirates were reduced to 10 men after defender Nyauza was red carded for stamping on Du Preez at the corner in an off the ball incident.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Pirates went ahead through Mosele’s near-post header after meeting a corner kick which Gabadinho Mhango took and substitute Vincent Pule flicked at the near-post to find the eventual scorer at the back-post in the 48th minute.
The lead lasted just five minutes as substitute Judas Moseamedi jumped past Pirates defender Hlatshwayo to meet a throw-in and head past diving Ofori and make it 2-2.
The visitors pushed for the winner but Pirates held on to the result and pick their first point of the season.
In another game played on Saturday, Golden Arrows saw off Maritzburg United 2-1.
In the season’s opening game played on Friday, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns beat AmaZulu 1-0 via Themba Zwane’s penalty.
Pirates:Ofori, Jele, Hlatshwayo, Nyauza, Tlolane, Mabaso, Mosele, Dlamini, Hotto, Shandu, Mhango.