Orlando Pirates moved up to second place in the Absa Premiership standings after securing a 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Buccaneers produced the first opportunity of the match in the 12th minute when Justin Shoga produced an effort at goal, but the forward failed to trouble Richard Ofori with his attempt.

Thabiso Kutumela should’ve opened the scoring in the 21st minute after he was sent through on goal by Luvuyo Memela, but the striker steered his shot across the face of goal.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes later when Thabiso Kutumela found the net with a well-taken free-kick to make it 1-0.

Kutumela should’ve doubled his side’s lead eight minutes later, but Ofori tipped the striker’s effort over the target.

The match went into the half time interval at 1-0 in favour of the Buccaneers.

Pirates upped the tempo in the second half and doubled their lead through Happy Jele when he rose highest to find the net with his header from a resulting Memela corner.

Memela should’ve added a third after Memela latched on to pass by Shonga, but the winger directed his cross-cum-shot against the woodwork.

At the other end, Bandile Shandu nearly pulled a goal back three minutes later when he rattled the woodwork with his strike with Jackson Mabokgwane well beaten.

However, the Team of Choice eventually pulled a goal in the 74th minute as Siyanda Xulu headed the ball past Makokgwane after he was picked out by Lebohang Maboe.

Maritzburg pressed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stages of the match but were unable to break down Pirates defence as the Buccaneers walked away victorious to move up to second on the PSL standings.

In other Absa Premiership results:

AmaZulu 2-1 Golden Arrows

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix