Orlando Pirates have responded after a bitter 3-0 CAF Champions League defeat to St. Eloi Lupopo.
The Soweto giants returned to domestic action with a 1-0 win over Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, marking their sixth consecutive Betway Premiership victory.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: ORLANDO PIRATES 1-0 POLOKWANE CITY
The decisive moment came early. Tshepang Moremi pounced on a loose ball just five minutes in, turning a scrambled cross past Brian Bwire to give the Buccaneers the lead.
From there, the Buccaneers controlled the game, though Polokwane offered a few scares, notably a Sibusiso Tshabalala header that flew just wide.
Patrick Maswanganyi came close twice, first with a curling effort after some slick footwork and later from point-blank range, only to be denied by Bwire. Sihle Nduli also had a header saved following a corner, but the home side held firm.
With the victory, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men move to 18 points from eight matches, just three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have two games in hand.
HOW THEY LINED-UP
Sipho Chaine, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi.
Substitutes: Siyabonga Dladla, Camren Dansin, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Abdoulaye Mariko, Kabelo Dlamini, Thalente Mbatha, Yanela Mbuthuma, Deon Hotto, Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Also read: Former Orlando Pirates coach: ‘A good Chiefs is vital for SA football’