Fortune Makaringe featured in place of Linda Mntambo and Kabelo Dlamini made way for Justin Shonga in the Buccaneers two changes, but Thembinkosi Lorch was not included in the squad despite finishing his suspension.
The Buccaneers went ahead after Gabadinho Mhango got behind Sifiso Ngobeni to tap underneath Jackson Mabokgwane from the far side after a one-two with Vincent Pule 15 minutes in.
Celtic threatened to level on six minutes later with Ndumiso Mabena's shot outside the area blocked off with Wayne Sandilands collecting the follow-up from Harris Tchilimbou's grasp, just moments the hosts had struck the woodwork.
Mabokgwane kept Celtic in the game with a one-handed palm from Shonga's inch-perfect free-kick from the far side minutes later as the Soweto giants continued to push for a second goal.
Menzi Masuku looked to put one over his former side from close-range in the area after 52 minutes played, but Wayne Sandilands denied the attacker from close proximity.
Sandilands once again kept the Buccaneers in the game with a strong save from Andile Fikizolo's instep shot inside the area 20 minutes to the end.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was finally beaten when Siphelele Luthuli curled into the top corner ten minutes to fulltime following a ball from the edge of the area.
The Sea Robbers looked to steal a victory from the bench with the introduction of Tshegofatso Mabasa in the last five minutes, but honours even was how the match ended.
Celtic: Mabokgwane, Masuku, Ngobeni, Rikhotso, Mabena, Khasipe, Potsane, Luthuli, Tchilimbou, Mahashe, Phalane.
Subs: Chaine, Sera , Letsoalo, Tani, Fikizolo, Baloyi, Mashikinya.
Pirates: Sandilands, Maela, Jele, Nyauza, Mabaso, Motshwari, Makaringe, Pule, Mulenga, Mhango, Shonga
Subs: Delle, Ndengane, Mako, Mntambo, Memela, Mabasa, Dlamini.