Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has come to the defence of his young players following their draw against TS Galaxy in Soweto.

The Buccaneers were forced to share the spoils with the Rockets after playing out to a 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.

Bandile Shandu broke the deadlock by opening the scoring for Pirates in the 64th minute, but a lapse in concentration saw Galaxy score a 94th minute equaliser through Mpho Mvelase.

The draw sees Pirates remain in second place on the table with 56 points, having won 18 games, drawn two and conceded five defeats in 25 matches.

The Sea Robbers will look to bounce back and return to winning ways when they take on SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

“It’s disappointing at the end that we had to play a draw, last minute goal. But I’m thinking we paid the school fees of the continuity, giving the youngsters the opportunity,” Ncikazi told SuperSport TV after the game.

“It’s not their fault, I thought we were in control, I thought we had enough chances to win the match.

“It is what it is, but I think there are so many lessons learned by way our golden opportunity today.

“It’s a loss in terms of the points, but I don’t think the experience the youngsters exposed too was a loss to them. It’s just a bitter pill to swallow because you thought it’s that minute of the game, but it is what it is.”

Kick-off has be set for 19:30 on Tuesday.