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It was a game of fine margins but Orlando Pirates’ win over Mamelodi Sundowns benefited Kaizer Chiefs the most on Wednesday night.
The result meant run-away leaders Amakhosi’s six-point advantage remained intact.
Chiefs, who had their head coach Ernst Middendorp among the keen spectators at the packed Soweto venue, will resume their programme against Black Leopards in Thohoyandou on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in overcoming Sundowns – their third in four games under new coach Josef Zinnbauer – Bucs did so with their first clean slate in seven matches.
The two titans had a go at each from the onset but the game tilted slightly towards Sundowns around the 15-minute mark, particularly after defender Anele Ngcongca smashed his headed attempt against the upright.
Then a barrage of attacks followed as Thapelo Morena’s close range scorcher forced a good save from Bucs goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands.
But Pirates had their responses through Gabadinho Mhango, who was duly rewarded for his consistency.
It was from one of Bucs’ transitions that Mhango broke through the middle before he coolly slotted home his 11th league goal of the season.
The goal was also the Malawian international’s seventh strike in four matches since Zinnbauer assumed the coaching reins at Bucs last month.
However, it was not a one-man show. The Bucs in-form attacker thrived thanks to Luvuyo Memela, who also made a huge difference on the Pirates front line.
Sundowns’ attackers on the hand were slowly running out of steam but coach Pitso Mosimane was swift in his introduction of Lebohang Maboe and Phakamani Mahlambi in the second half.
The changes gave the visitors the much-needed boost.
Maboe was denied by the post with the Pirates defence at sixes and sevens.
In his tactical response to the backlash, Zinnbauer shut the back door with the introduction of Alfred Ndgengane, who came in for the tired Innocent Maela 10 minutes from regulation time.
In the end, Bucs held firm to register their first win over the Tshwane side in Soweto since 2011, but it was Middendorp who went home with the biggest smile.
Elsewhere, other title hopefuls Bidvest Wits beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 at Bidvest Stadium.
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