Orlando Pirates' Betway Premiership title chances suffered a blow after losing 2-0 to Marumo Gallants on Saturday evening.
Pirates were without star player Patrick Maswanganyi through injury, but were able to recall midfielder Kabelo Dlamini back from suspension.
The home team didn't joy a smooth start after being forced to take goalkeeper Washington Arubi off the park after he picked up an injury, with Kagiso Mlambo brought on as his replacement.
However, it didn't bother them as the opener followed when Gabadinho Mhango took a pin-point free-kick from Sekela Sithole in his stride and through Sibisi to finish emphatically against his former employers.
Pirates lacked rhythm particularly in the forward spaces and as such the long or penetrative passes to the defensive zone failed to unlock Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng.
The steady approach by the host continued to a large degree frustrate the Buccaneers who then went to the break trailing.
Zambian striker Junior Zindonga nearly made it two just after halftime when he outsprinted Bandile Shandu to go clean through on goal, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a point-blank save.
At the other end, Pirates fancied the equaliser with a low delivery towards a lurking Thalente Mbatha at the back-post, but Khumbulani Ncube scooped for a corner-kick.
Both teams maintained a pacey set of affairs in the earlier stages of the resumption, with the Buccaneers in particular gunning for a swift response.
Mbatha's evening turned for the worse when he directed Masindi Nemtajela's cross into his own net to double Gallants' lead.
Pirates pushed for a comeback with time desperately running out, but the day belonged to the host who picked up a creditable win to boost their relegation battle.
Confirmed line-ups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mabotja, Ncube, Rikhotso, Nemtajela, Msendami, Sikhosana, Sithole, Mhango, Manaka, Zindoga
Subs: Mlambo, Mathiane, Nhlapo, Chabatsane, Prins, Mokobodi, Mahlatsi, Dion, Wagaba
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Xoki, Shandu, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Hotto, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Mbokazi, Ndlozi, Nkota, Moleleki, Mako, Mosele, Makgopa, Ndlondlo