Orlando Pirates kept the pressure on Stellenbosch while Tshegofatso Mabasa moved to the top DStv Premiership scoring charts after their 2-0 win over Chippa United.
In what was a riveting game from start to finish, with Pirates were in full control, keeping the visitors at bay when they threatened on the counter.
Mabasa, who has been in supreme form of late, opened the scoring before the half-hour mark with a tap-in at the far post with Thabiso Monyane delivering a pin-point cross.
And just before the break, the Buccaneers were sent into ecstasy as they were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the area from Baraka Majogoro.
Mabasa stepped up to finish with aplomb beyond Stanley Nwabali to move to 15 goals in the league, one ahead of Iqraam Rayners in the race for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot.
It marked their seventh consecutive win in all competitions as they reach peak form for the finale of the 2023/24 season.
However, they remained one point behind Stellenbosch, who drew 0-0 away to AmaZulu in the race for the final CAF Champions League.
