Orlando Pirates hold AmaZulu to a disappointing draw in Umdarban

The Moses Mabhida Stadium bore witness to Orlando Pirates' frustrating afternoon as they labored to a 1-1 draw against a resurgent AmaZulu side, with the match narrative swinging between defensive mishaps and a fairytale moment for academy graduate Simphiwe Selepe.

Returning stars Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Chaine failed to inspire the Buccaneers to victory against a well-rested Usuthu outfit, playing their first match in three weeks. The contest turned in the second half when Tshepang Moremi's dangerous run culminated in Patrick Maswanganyi's unfortunate own goal - a cruel twist for the visitors, who had dominated possession without cutting edge.

Pirates' afternoon took another sour turn when promising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi succumbed to an ankle injury early on, forcing Thapelo Xoki into premature action. Yet from the disappointment emerged a glimmer of hope as 20-year-old Selepe announced his arrival in senior football with a composed strike from distance, etching his name into Pirates folklore while salvaging a point for the Sea Robbers.

The result leaves José Riveiro with more questions than answers, as his side's profligacy continues to undermine their ambitions. For AmaZulu, the point represents another step in their late-season resurgence, while for young Selepe, that moment of brilliance outside the box may prove the launching pad for a promising career in the famous black and white.