Orlando Pirates moved back to the top of the table after their 2-0 win over Richards Bay in their Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Pirates started the brighter of the two sides and with clear intent – the sign of Sipho Chaine spraying passes closer to the half-way line than the goal early on showed what type of occassion was set up.
A mid-to-low block from the vistors was set up as they looked to find anything on the counter but Pirates, with intent, fluidity and tempo controlled the entire first half and were well worth their lead handed to them by Oswin Appollis mid-way through the half.
A simple finish from Kamogelo Sebelebele put them on their way to three points and they kept their dominance without adding to the scoreline until the break.
The Natal Richboyz, who are vying to gain points for a place in the top-eight again, managed to stem the big chances created for Pirates after the break and it took up until the 80th minute before Relebohile Mofokeng tested Brian Otieno at full stretch to tip his rasping effort onto the crossbar for a corner.
With Pirates well aware another goal was needed in order to return to the summit ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, it was all out attack in the final stages, which allowed the visitors to also show some creativity going forward – with nothing to lose.
But Pirates’ structure, in particular, their rest defence was capable of withstanding the threats they posed – and they got rewarded late in the game with Evidence Makgopa making it 2-0 from the penalty spot to send them back to the top of the log – level on 47 points with Sundowns but ahead of goal difference.
Bay are now in 10th place, one point off the top half and five ahead of 15th placed ORBIT College, who occupy the relegation play-off spot and 10 ahead of last placed Magesi.
