Pirates have 46 points in 20 games, while Sundowns have 58 points in 23 matches.
A fortuitous goal by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi in the second half earned Orlando Pirates a hard-fought 1-0 win over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Sibisi scored the goal in the 67th minute, capitalising on a mistake by Rise and Shine goalkeeper Brian Okoth.
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It was a fairly bright start for both teams with opportunities created on both ends, but there was no goal in the opening 20 minutes of the match.
Relebohile Mofokeng almost gave the Buccaneers the lead in the eighth minute when he cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, but Okoth was on hand to make a save albeit on the second attempt.
Few seconds later it was Sipho Chaine’s turn to make a save as Oswin Appollis tried his luck from close range, but the Pirates goalkeeper did well to parry the ball away for a corner kick.
A mistake at the back by City defender Koketso Baloyi presented Mofokeng with a good chance to score for Pirates, but the young Pirates attacker could not capitalise on as his attempted first-time shot went wide of goal.
Thakente Mbatha then tried his luck with a long range shot in the 35th minute, but Okoth was well positioned to make a save.
Despite the plenty of chances created by both teams, the score remained 0-0 at the half-time break.
Pirates continued to push for the opening goal after the restart and they got it in the 67th minute through Sibisi. Okoth failed to hang on to the ball following substitute Kabelo Sibisi’s free kick and it hit Sibisi’s foot and went into the net.
The goal proved to be the winning goal for the Buccaneers as they closed the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns to 12 points. Pirates also have three games in hand over the defending league champions.
Pirates have 46 points in 20 games, while Sundowns have 58 points in 23 matches.
