The hard-fought victory lifted the Buccaneers to fourth on the log – just one point behind third-placed Kaizer Chiefs and seven adrift of leaders Sekhukhune United. Crucially, the Bucs still have a game in hand.

Siwelele, meanwhile, remain second-from-bottom in 15th place after suffering their sixth defeat of the campaign. With only four points from eight matches, coach Lehlohonolo Seema and his charges will be desperate to end their seven-match winless run when they take on Marumo Gallants in Sunday’s historic first-ever Bloemfontein derby at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Oswin Appollis celebrating his match-winning goal. Photo: Morgan Piek

The clash began at a lively tempo. In the seventh minute, Gape Moralo’s dangerous free-kick forced a fine save from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Almost immediately on the counter, Deon Hotto picked out an unmarked Relebohile Mofokeng with a pinpoint long ball, but the youngster couldn’t find the finish with only Ricardo Goss to beat.

Siwelele looked threatening whenever they delivered crosses and long balls into the Pirates’ box. Chibuike Ohizu went close with a free header in the 15th minute, while Vincent Pule’s effort, following a defensive lapse from Lebone Seema, was comfortably gathered by Chaine on the stroke of half-time. The score remained goalless at the break.

In the second half, the introduction of the energetic Oswin Appollis sparked Pirates to life. The Bafana Bafana winger proved to be a game-changer, firing home the decisive goal with ten minutes to play. His low drive, set up by fellow substitute Evidence Makgopa, sealed a 1-0 win for the Buccaneers in front of a packed crowd.

Speaking after the match, Pirates coach Abdes Ouaddou – formerly in charge of Marumo Gallants – stressed the importance of taking their chances.

“I told the boys that in this kind of game you don’t get many opportunities, so when the chance comes you have to take it – and that’s exactly what we did,” said the former Moroccan captain.

“I made some changes late on to tighten things up, because against a team like Siwelele, you can easily concede and end up disappointed with only a draw. I’m very proud of the boys. They played in the Champions League just three days ago and still showed great character and personality tonight. We’re heading back to Bloemfontein very happy.”

Under-pressure Siwelele coach Seema admitted that beating a strong and well-drilled Pirates side was always going to be tough, but he took encouragement from his team’s performance.

“I can honestly say I see this team heading in the right direction,” said the former Buccaneers defender.

“We are fighting, and what makes me happy is that we’re more structured now. Against a quality side like Pirates, to keep them at bay for over 80 minutes is a plus for us. Of course, we dropped too deep at the end and invited pressure, but there are a lot of positives to take forward.

Lebone Seema and Gamphani Lungu. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Our supporters have stuck with us despite the defeats, and I want to thank them for that. I’m urging them to come out in numbers on Sunday – I believe they’ll witness our first victory at the Slaughterhouse.”

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs will meet Marumo Gallants at Soccer City in Soweto on Wednesday at 17:30. The fixture was originally scheduled for Bloemfontein, but both clubs agreed to switch venues to accommodate Amakhosi’s CAF Confederation Cup commitments.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs