POLOKWANE – Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Betway Premiership encounter at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The stadium was awash with Buccaneers supporters as the two sides cancelled each other out in a match characterised by defensive resilience and missed scoring opportunities.

Orlando Pirates enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, similar to their previous meeting with Babina Noko in August last year, when they dominated the ball but failed to convert their chances. Once again, the Buccaneers struggled to break down Sekhukhune’s disciplined defence.

Pirates came close in the first half through Tshepang Moremi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, but both efforts were denied by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who produced a standout performance between the posts. Sekhukhune posed threats of their own on the counter-attack, while both teams had penalty appeals waved away by the referee before halftime.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Pirates probing patiently and Sekhukhune remaining compact and organised. Bright Ndlovu was named man of the match, and the draw leaves Orlando Pirates level on points with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Sekhukhune United move up to fifth place and remain unbeaten against the Buccaneers this season.

Sekhukhune were set to face Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue on Tuesday, while Orlando Pirates will host Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.