Deon Hotto bagged a goal and an assist as Orlando Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
Pirates made only one change from their Soweto derby win over Kaizer Chiefs, as Paseka Mako was recalled in place of Mohau Nkota, with Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng right behind Tshegofatso Mabasa in attack.
The Buccaneers had a perfect start after Deon Hotto gave them an early lead with a well executed free-kick after Maswanganyi was fouled outside the area.
Jose Riveiro's charges remained on the front foot as a moment later Mofokeng drew a save out of goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare after he was allowed space to shoot.
However, Sekhukhune started to close the spaces quickly midway into the first stanza and also asked questions of Pirates going forward.
Lehlohonolo Seema's men continued to pressurize The Buccaneers after the half-hour mark and had their moments in attack but were let down by their finishing, as Pirates were happy to take a 1-0 lead to the interval.
Riveiro could not have asked for a better start in the second stanza as Makhehlene Makhaula doubled the lead for the Soweto giants three minutes from the break with a header from a cross by Hotto.
Sekhukhune had to use all the cards they had and around the hour-mark, former Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo was among the substitutes, as he replaced Pogiso Mahlangu in an attacking change.
Mntambo made an immediate impact as he pulled a goal back for Babina Noko in the last 13 minutes with strike from a free-kick.
The game was on the edge in the dying minutes, with both sides looking for a decisive goal.
Maswanganyi had a chance to seal it for The Buccaneers in added time but was denied by Sangare from close-range.
However, the Soweto giants did enough in the end to secure maximum points and remained six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand in second position on the log.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Tshibwabwa, Letlapa Mahlangu, Monare, Rammala, Mohamme, Boyeli, Makgalwa, Mbule, Ngakosso
Subs: Kazapua, Mokoena, Carodos, Mkhabela, Mncube, Ohizu, Sithole, Langa
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Mako, Mbatha, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Hotto, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Ndlozi, Rasebotja, Xoki, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Dlamini, Makgopa