Betway Premiership: Pirates lay siege but Siwelele hold out for draw

No late goals arrived to save Orlando Pirates from dropping points at home on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC during the 21st round of the Betway Premiership.

Former Bucs forward Vincent Pule gave the visitors the lead inside the opening half hour, setting the stage for an onslaught from the hosts that resulted only in an equalizer early in the second half.

Tshepang Moremi pulled the hosts level at the Orlando Stadium in the 51st minute after running onto a pass from Thalente Mbatha to finish past Siwelele keeper Ricardo Goss at his near post. But the veteran goalkeeper proceeded to stand on his head for the remainder of the match.

Even when Goss turned the ball over in a dangerous position in the 71st minute, he did spectacularly to get back into position and deny Moremi with a stellar diving save. Wasteful finishing from Pirates, especially from substitute striker Evidence Makgopa, allowed Siwelele to survive the second half onslaught with a point to their credit.

#BetwayPrem – RESULTS:@goldenarrowsfc1 walk away with the victory and maximum points,

While the encounters between @Magesi_FC and @ChippaUnitedFC, and @orlandopirates and @Siwelele_FC end level. pic.twitter.com/WO5KgUwKEo

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 14, 2026

The result is a big blow for the Bucs, who fall a step back in their ongoing tug-of-war with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table. Sundowns were occupied with continental duties on Friday, defeating Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Elsewhere on Saturday, bottom side Magesi FC rallied from two goals down to draw Chippa United at home while Golden Arrows held on for a 2-1 victory at Marumo Gallants on the strength of Junior Dion’s brace.

AmaZulu will host Richards Bay while Sekhukhune United take on Polokwane City later to finish up Saturday’s action. Kaizer Chiefs will host Durban City in Sunday’s only match.

Pirates take slight lead but fall behind in title chase