Orlando Pirates’ struggles in front of goal continued as the Soweto giants were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers made three changes from their defeat by Kaizer Chiefs before the international break as Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Bandile Shandu were both handed starts.

The Sea Robbers looked to get off to a strong start as Fortune Makaringe came close to giving them the lead in the ninth minute with a strike from the edge of the box that hit the post.

Arrows, though, were clearly happy to remain defensively disciplined and welcomed Pirates, but with Lehlohonolo Seema sitting so deep chances were proving hard to come by.

Pirates, however, almost snatched the lead just before the break as Deon Hotto rattled the crossbar from a free kick just outside the box.

The same pattern ensued in the second half as Pirates struggled to break down the low block and eventually turned to the bench on the hour mark, as Terrence Dzvukamanja replaced Makgaka in an attacking move and Ntsako Makhubela came on for Linda Mntambo for fresh legs in midfield.

The changes may have given Pirates some momentum but, besides Olisa Ndah’s close-range header 15 minutes before the break, they continued to struggle to find the killer blow.

In the closing stages, Arrows pushed to grab all three points but poor finishing meant both teams had to settle for a point apiece.