Both sides hit the woodwork, while Amakhosi had a very strong penalty appeal turned down in the fourth minute, but in truth there was precious little in the way of goalscoring chances.
Stuart Baxter recalled veteran duo Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala for the match, while Eric Tinkler surprisingly dropped Kermit Erasmus, opting to play just Lehlohonolo Majoro up-front.
Chiefs had a very good shout for a penalty when Siyabonga Sangweni brought down George Lebese, but referee Zolile Mthetho turned the appeals down.
Pirates should have taken the lead on 21 minutes when Sifiso Myeni swung a beautiful cross to Mpho Makola. The winger got in front of his defender, but sent his powerful header well over.
Chiefs had a similar chance just past the half-hour mark when Erick Mathoho met a Tshabalala free-kick, but he too sent his header over from close range.
Amahosi started the second half well and Bernard Parker though he was through on goal but for a last-ditch Thabo Matlaba tackle, before Reneilwe Letsholonyane had his 49th-minute curling effort saved – the first effort on target.
Chiefs almost got the opener just before the hour-mark when Shabba smashed a drive from the edge of the area. The ball clipped a defender on the way and looped over Brighton Mhlongo, but it cannoned back off the crossbar.
Eight minutes later it was Pirates’ turn to be frustrated by the woodwork – Myeni’s shot deflecting off Mathoho and looping over Itumeleng Khune, but not beating the woodwork.
Siboniso Gaxa almost got his name on the scoresheet five minutes from time after some brilliant interplay, but Mhlongo came up with a important save.
There was time for one more chance in time added-on when Siphelele Mthembu combined with parker, but the latter’s shot went into the side-netting.