Orlando Pirates moved into sixth ahead of Moroka Swallows after a 2-0 win at Orlando Stadium in the Original Soweto Derby on Tuesday evening.
The game lived up to its early billing under the lights at eSgodini when a highly tactical affair was separated by Evidence Makgopa in the first half.
Pirates naturally had the bulk of possession in a lob-sided defence opted by head coach Jose Riveiro where Fortune Makaringe inverted from right-back into midfield.
Makgopa, who got the nod once again over Zakahele Lepasa worked tirelessly and was well worth his goal when the returning Vincent Pule made the most of their transition when Dumisani Zuma spurned possession in midfield for the visitors.
The 39th-minute opener from the Bafana Bafana was the difference at the break – which marked his third goal in his last five league games.
Swallows, who were without their two influential loanees, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Bongani Sam were run ragged in the second half as Pirates put their foot on the pedal.
Jose Riveiro brought on Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa for Pule and Makgopa respectively and it took the PSL Players’ Player of the Season just 10 seconds to be involved in the second goal forcing an own goal from Sipho Sibiya.
Saleng was clearly looking to prove a point after being benched for three of the last four league games and his impression was felt with high intensity in the wave of attacks.
But Swallows managed to keep the scoreline respectable as Pirates moved into sixth place, one spot above Steve Komphela’s side, with 19 points from 12 games – eight points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have three games in hand.
Meanwhile Swallows are now within a win in three games after a goalless draw against Polokwane City and a defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in their previous two league games.
