A late Zakhele Lepasa goal was enough to see the Soweto giants take a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of the tie next week.

Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro made several changes to his starting XI, with Sipho Chaine, Bandile Shandu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Patrick Maswanganyi and Zakhele Lepasa all dropping to the bench.

Richard Ofori, Sandile Mthethwa, Innocent Maela, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Fortune Makaringe and Eva Nga all came into the team after the 1-1 draw against Chippa United.

Pirates dominated the first half of the encounter with Eva Nga and Monnapule Saleng both failing to convert their chances.

Lepasa, who had just replaced Eva Nga, had a massive chance in the 64th minute after a mis-timed punch by the goalkeeper ended up in front of his feet but his volley got blocked before the goal line.

The home side had a chance on the counter a minute later but Innocent Maela came to the rescue with a superb tackle.

Saleng had another great chance in the 81st minute but his shot got punched onto the post by the goalkeeper however, Lepasa was once again in the right spot and netted the much needed winner in the 88th minute.

Ofori was called into action in injury-time to prevent the home side from finding a late equaliser and see the Buccaneers take home an important first-leg win.