Mamelodi Sundowns now have the advantage in the title race after the dropped points by Pirates, who were undone by two wonderful strikes from outside the box and but rescued a point late on.
The hosts lead
Richards Bay took the lead on 11 minutes and it was an absolute stunner and a contender for goal of the season.
Simphiwe Mcineka headed the ball back to Thulani Gumede some 25 yards from goal and his volley was hit so sweetly that it whistled into the top corner, leaving Sipho Chaine with no chance in the visitors’ goal.
Gumede struck the winner when Richards Bay defeated Kaizer Chiefs at home last month, and has now netted against another Soweto side. It was just the fifth Betway Premiership goal of his career, but he will likely never score a better one.
Who else to equalise?
Pirates were level six minutes into the second half and who else would it be but that man Oswin Appollis.
To be fair, he could hardly miss, but he controlled a cross from Relebohile Mofokeng in the box with a superb touch and, without a defender in sight, drilled the ball low into the net from six yards.
For Appollis, it is a sixth goal in his last nine games for club and country and follows hot on the heels of his brace against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
A word too for Mofokeng, who moved to 15 goal contributions since January (nine goals, six assists) as he continues his excellent form.
Zikhali restores Richards Bay’s lead
But that joy was soon dispelled again and Pirates were once more beaten from long range.
Lundi Mahala took a heavy touch on the edge of the box but it fell kindly for Lindokuhle Zikhali to drill the ball low past Chaine from 25 yards.
It is rare for Chaine to be beaten from distance, and this one he was closer to, but Pirates conceded twice in a league game for only the third time this season.
They had conceded only nine goals in 23 league games prior to Friday night, but they found themselves on the end of two fabulous strikes.
It was also a first goal for Zikhali since he netted against Magesi FC in September, and only the fourth of his career.
Late leveller
It looked as though Pirates would slip to a defeat, but for the third time in the match there was a belting goal from outside the box.
Lebone Seema picked up the ball 35 yards from goal and took a few touches before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.
It was a superb strike and showed his qualify from range.
It also saved Pirates from a first ever loss to Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.
Where does this leave us?
While not a fatal blow to their title hopes, Pirates now need to rely on other clubs doing them a massive favour, probably more than once, if they are to beat Sundowns in the title race.
The Brazilians have 56 points and a +30 goal difference, while Pirates are on 55 points and +36, but crucially have now played a game more.
With the form of Sundowns in the domestic league, it is hard to see them dropping enough points for Pirates to catch up. But they have to live in hope.
