Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro surprised many with his starting XI when Thembinkosi Lorch got his first call-up of the season, while Evidence Makgopa also got a rare start and Olisa Ndah started at the back for the injury Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Pirates made an early change in the goalkeeping department after 31 minutes with Sipho Chaine being replaced by Melusi Buthelezi, who made his Buccaneers debut.

With the two teams heading to halftime deadlocked at 0-0, Olisa Ndah had the first big chance of the second half but his header following a corner only hit the outside of the post.

The Buccaneers finally found a break-through after 60 minutes, when Thapelo Xoki converted a penalty after Zama Dlamini had brought down Evidence Makgopa clumsily inside the box.

Pirates were 2-0 up just four minutes later, after Kermit Erasmus concluded a beautiful interplay between Lorch and Makgopa as the Buccaneers consolidated matters until the full-time whistle.

The Sea Robbers join TS Galaxy in the last 8 of the competition with six more spots left.