Mohau Nkota was back among the goals as Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.
Pirates were without Relebohile Mofokeng through suspension, but they were able to call upon Thalente Mbatha while goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla made his debut by coming in for Sipho Chaine.
Dladla was put to action minutes after the start following a free-kick by Lyle Lakay, but the Pirates shot-stopper was equal to the effort.
Matsatsantsa, who have had a difficult campaign, continued looking for the opener, as Christian Saile noded wide of the near post after attacking a corner-kick.
The Buccaneers stepped into gear around the half-hour mark as Tshegofatso Mabasa came short to the near side and forced Thakasani Mbanjwa to produce a smart save.
SuperSport were keen to hit the front before halftime after Lebohang Maboe got on the end of a teasing delivery by Aphiwe Baliti but ended firing over the crossbar.
In the second half, Pirates enjoyed a clear opening earlier on when Mohau Nkota got in-behind to get a shot in following a pass by Mabasa, but Mbanjwa rushed off his line to make the stop.
Changes arrived from both sides moments later as the Buccaneers introduced Karim Kimvuidi for Dlamini, while Bradley Grobler replaced Keanin Ayer to bolster SuperSport's attack.
Kimvuid made his presence felt around the final 20 minutes when he peeled away on the counter-attack and released Nkota to fire home from close range.
SuperSport could’ve levelled matters instantly after Maboe worked space outside the area to get a shot in from Lakay’s pass, but he snapped his lines, while Mobbie had a header kept out by the upright.
The Buccaneers saw off the late push from the Pretoria to claim the victory and return to winning ways.
Confirmed line-ups:
SuperSport United: Mbanjwa, Mobbie, Hlatshwayo, Moralo, Ayer, Lakay, Maboe, Sanoka, Saile, Ndlovu, Baliti.
Subs: Goss, Grobler, Ndebele, Quaicoe, Matodzi, Dzvukamanja, Nurkovic
Orlando Pirates: Dladla, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Shandu, Hotto, Selepe, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Dlamini, Mabasa
Subs: Chaine, Dansin, Radiopane, Moleleki, Madiba, Xoki, Kimvuidi, Tshobeni, Van Rooyen
