A dominant first half display was enough for Pirates to redeem themselves after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the opening round of the new season.

Zakhele Lepasa broke the deadlock via a penalty as early as the 15th minute after Patrick Maswanganyi was fouled in the box.

Monnapule Saleng doubled the lead for the home side before Lepasa scored his second of the night and Pirates' third just before halftime.

Royal AM had the last say in the first half as Hopewell Cele pulled a goal back for the visitors as the sides went to halftime with Pirates leading 3-1.

Pirates came out guns blazing once more in the second half as Relebohile Mofokeng could have made it 4-1 after being put clean through on goal by Saleng, only to put his effort wide of Mlondi Mpoto’s post with the keeper stranded.

But Jose Riveiro’s men proved to be not as clinical and too playful to spare Royal AM some more blushes in the second half.

Instead, Mxolisi Macuphu pulled another goal back for Royal AM after a mistake by Sipho Chaine in the 88th minute before Bandile Shandu put the game to bed with Bucs’ fourth goal in the 92nd minute.

The win for Pirates moved them up to third place with three points, while Royal AM have dropped to position 12 with one point after two games played.