Richards Bay stunned Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 win in their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium which relegated Cape Town Spurs.
While the Natal Richboys still occupy the relegation playoff spot, they are now two points from safety with two games remaining as Royal AM lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates started with extreme confidence on the ball, based on their recent form with seven consecutive wins.
But they came up against the Richards Bay side, knowing a win would relegate Spurs – in which they showed defensive structure and tactical organisation to frustrate the home side.
While the Ghost as eSgodini looked to spur their side on, the game went into the break a goal down when Sanele Barns slotted home their only chance of the half past a dejected Sipho Chaine, who otherwise had little else to do in the opening 45.
In the second half, Golden Boot leader Tshegofatso Mabasa was lucky to escape a red card with a studs-up challenge on Lwandile Mabuya.
But Vuzimuzi Vilakazi’s side still managed to hold their own, securing a crucial three points, while Pirates missed the chance to move to second place after Stellebosch stumbled to a 2-0 defeat against Moroka Swallows earlier in the day at Dobsonville Stadium.
