Man of the match Monnapule Saleng scored and provided an assist to lead his side to the much needed victory ahead of the big Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs next week Saturday.

Saleng as he has always been doing this season scored just at the brink of halftime when he received the ball from Bandile Shandu to use his pace and skill to cut inside and scored a brilliant goal with his left foot.

Although Pirates went to halftime leading 1-0, they actually started a bit slow than the usual Pirates side that always dominates ball possession in the opening exchanges of their matches.

The second half started with both sides really going at each other with Pirates looking for the second goal while Maritzburg United wanted to restore parity however, it wasn't to be as Pirates scored their second goal.

Saleng at it again, this time the 24 year old delivered a pin point cross into Maritzburg United's box to find the header of Terrence Dzvukamanja as the Zimbabwean international scored the Buccaneers' second goal of the night in the 71st minute.

Mandla Ncikazi was at the helm in the absence of head coach Jose Riviero due to suspension and Ncikazi gave new signee Souaibou Marou his DSTV Premiership debut for Orlando Pirates with the Cameroonian international coming on with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine thought that he had secured a clean sheet but Tumelo Njoti had other ideas when he scored a bullet of a goal in the 85th minute to set a tense final 5 minutes for the home side.

The Sea Robbers will now turn their attention to preparations ahead of the much anticipated Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs next week Saturday.