Orlando Pirates started their pre-season tour in Spain with a 2-2 draw against English side Plymouth Argyle on Friday night.
Coach Jose Riveiro handed a start to former SuperSport United midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja, although the club has not officially announced his signing while Gilberto was not included in the squad.
Other than Rasebotja's inclusion, the rest of the starting line-up was made up of regulars from last season, as Monnapule Saleng and Relebohile Mofokeng started on the respective flanks.
The game was played at an affair in the early stage, with both sides seeing a bit of the ball in the hot weather in Malaga but Pirates did have chances through Saleng and Makhehlene Makhaula in the opening 20 minutes.
After a lengthy water break, the Buccaneers re-entered the pitch with a bit more energy and they nearly pulled ahead ten minutes before the break but Mofokeng was unable to convert while Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a good save at the other end.
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The Buccaneers did get the breakthrough in the 38th minute when Evidence Makgopa bundled the ball home from close range.
Plymouth, however, weren't behind for too long after restoring parity two minutes later through Freddie Issaka, who rifled home from close range after scramble in the box.
There was enough time for another goal just before the break, as Olise Ndah rose above his marker to nod home from close range as the Soweto giants went into the break with the slender lead.
After a few changes in the second half from Pirates, Plymouth started off lively and won a penalty after a foul by Monyane. Ryan Hardie took responsibility but saw his effort saved by substitute goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
However, the Championship outfit levelled matters in the 63rd minute when Callum Wright turned home a cross from Ibrahim Cissoko, who had just replaced Issaka moments earlier.
The Soweto giants nearly walked away with the win in the final five minutes as Tshegofatso Mabasa did well to hold off his marker before turning and sending one against the upright, as the encounter ended all square.
Pirates will be in action again on Monday against LaLiga outfit Sevilla.
Here's how they line up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Maela, Ndah, Mthethwa, Lebitso, Makhaula, Rasebotja, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Makgopa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Monyane, Timm, Zulu, Madalane, Sesane, Mbatha, Baloni, Hotto, Otladisa, Moleleki, Kapinga, Ndlondlo, Kimvuidi, Mabasa, Nkota, Zulu
Plymouth: Cooper, Mumba, Pleuguezuelo, Edwards, Bundu, Gibson, Randell, Waine, Earley, Tijani, Roberts.
