It was Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Qalinge with the first attempt at goal, but his shot just after the 10 minute mark was wide of the framework following a good build up passage of play.
On the half hour mark Pirates’ Luvuyo Memela was knocked over by Polokwane goalkeeper George Chigova, but the referee was not interested in any penalty appeals.
It was Memela again, late in the half, who sliced through the Polokwane midfield and got in a shot at goal, but Chigova made the save. The rebound fell to Makola but he could not find the back of the net.
Just before half-time the visitors had a good chance, which hit the woodwork. A corner taken by Sipho Jembula found the head of Mfundo Phungwayo, but his attempt hit the crossbar.
Bucs looked as if they would find the opening goal when Mpho Makola got on the end of Patrick Phungwayo's pass, but his mis-guided attempt to find the in-form Tendai Ndoro inside the 18 area saw the chance come to nothing.
Inside the final 15 minutes, Bucs ‘keeper Brighton Mhlongo did well to punch away a free-kick by Cole Alexander as the game looked headed for a stalemate draw.
But then Polokwane’s Thobani Mncwango hit a dangerous looking shot at goal, and Mhlongo fumbled the ball but the visitors could not take advantage of the mistake.
And there was one last throw of the dice for Pirates when substitute Thabo Rakhale hit a half-volley attempt over the crossbar in the dying moments of optional time.