Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Orlando stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Goodman Mosele started in midfield for Pirates for his debut while Bandile Shandu was also handed a first start in a Pirates jersey as the club began life without the departed Josef Zinnbauer.
Waseem Isaacs returned to Stellies’ line-up after his exploits in the GladAfrica Championship last season and he ensured the visitors begin the season on a high when his shot came off Thulani Hlatshwayo before looping over Richard Ofori for the game’s opening goal.
The Buccaneers were keen on getting back into the game but it didn’t come until the 17th minute when Deon Hotto sent a gorgeous free-kick into the top corner to restore parity.
The match stayed insipid for the rest of the half as changes were few in the opening 45 minutes of the game. However, the home side were reduced to ten men when Ntsikelelo Nyauza was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Ashley Du Preez minutes before the break.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Pirates came out in the second half to take the lead for the first time in the encounter as Mosele got on the end of Vincent Pule’s flick-on to head home at the far post on his debut.
Steve Barker then introduced Robyn Johannes and new signing Judas Moseamedi soon after the goal, and the decision paid off as the latter’s header into the far corner levelled matters once again in the 56th minute.
Pirates opted for a couple changes of their own for the final 25 minutes as Fortune Makaringe and Terrence Dzvukamanja replaced Tebogo Tlolane and Gabadinho Mhango.
Stellies enjoyed more of the possession in the latter parts of the second half as they looked to grab a winning goal but they were let down by their decision-making in the final third.
In the end, the game finished 2-2 although the Stellies would feel unhappy by their failure to use the numerical advantage.