Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou still believes despite dropped points

Pirates dropped two valuable points at the Orlando Amstel Arena after a determined performance from the visitors, leaving the Buccaneers with more work to do in their pursuit of the league crown.

Siwelele struck first when former Pirates forward Vincent Pule opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark. However, the hosts responded early in the second half as Tshepang Moremi netted the equaliser in the 51st minute.

The result means Pirates remain in the hunt but now trail Mamelodi Sundowns by a point, although Sundowns still have a game in hand.

Despite the setback, Ouaddou remains optimistic that his side can still challenge for what would be their first league title since the 2011/12 season.

"We just have to keep going and believe. We still have nine games to play and I think our boys did everything today. You could see that at the end of the game," Ouaddou told journalists after the game.

The Pirates coach also singled out Siwelele goalkeeper Ricardo Goss for praise after an outstanding display that denied the hosts several scoring opportunities.

"We have to give credit to the goalkeeper. He was the man of the match. We didn't have a goalkeeper today - we had Jesus Christ in goal," Ouaddou said.

"He saved everything. I don't know what more my players could have done. They gave everything and created chances, but he was like a wall."

Meanwhile, Siwelele head coach Lehlohonolo Seema welcomed the result as his side continue their fight to avoid relegation.

Seema admitted that taking a point away from home was a positive outcome as they look to move further away from the drop zone.