Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership title race following a 1-0 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday evening.
Pirates rang the changes from the disappointing loss to Marumo Gallants FC, with goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi replacing the suspended Sipho Chane, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Siyabonga Ndlozi were given their first starts by Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro, who returned to the bench after serving suspension over the weekend, saw his men make a promising start with countless shots towards the Chili Boys goal.
The Chilli Boys provided a big scare where a counter-attack released Giovanni Philander, who took aim from the left of the area, but he blazed in the advertising boards.
Pirates continued to enjoy a fair share of chances as Relebohile Mofokeng teed Tshegofatso Mabasa to go in from a tight angle, but Stanley Nwabali rushed out to narrow the angle.
The Chilli Boys were forced to a substitution ten minutes to halftime when Azola Ntsabo picked up an injury and was replaced Malebogo Modise.
Nwabali was in the thick of things shortly before halftime when he thwarted a composed side-footed attempt from the area by Mabasa.
Pirates went ahead on the stroke of the interval as Nkosinathi Sibisi ran in at the near post to head in a corner-kick from Mofokeng.
It remained one-way traffic at the resumption after Mohau Nkota made a darting run towards the near post and cut inside to shave the top corner.
Chippa were still on the back-foot a little later as Kabelo Dlamini and Mabasa combined to make an opening from the cusp of the area, but Nwabali was equal to the task.
The lion share of momentum remained on the side of the Buccaneers late on through young duo Mbokazi and Mofokeng, but 1-0 was the final score.
Confirmed line-ups:
Chippa United: Nwabali, Kammies, Malaoa, Makhele, Ntsabo, Martin, Madingwana, Tyongwana, Philander, Konqobe, Kwayiba.
Subs: Johnson, Modise, Chabalala, Mazibuko, Sakala, Mazibuko, Mqokozo, Maarman, Bolani, Eva Nga
Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Ndlozi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Nkota, Mofokeng, Mabasa.
Subs: Dladla, Moleleki, Mako, Xoki, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Mosele, Makgopa, Ndlondlo.