Rulani Mokwena recalled Peter Shalulile, who scored on his return in the CAF Champions League over the weekend, with Lesiba Nku dropping to the bench along with Junior Mendieta who was replaced Marcelo Allende.
For Pirates, there was a first league start of the season for midfielder Siphelo Baloni while Zakhele Lepasa, Sipho Chaine, Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi returned to the side after being rested for the Champions League tie. The Brazilians got the early advantage after being awarded a penalty on ten minutes when Themba Zwane was brought down in the and allowed Lucas Riberio to convert the spot-kick for his fifth league goal of the season.
It took a while for the Buccaneers to get going in the attack and they struggled to really carve out any clear-cut chances at Ronwen Williams' goal in the opening 45 minutes. At the other end, Chaine was called upon to keep Pirates in the game before the break as he produced a good save to keep out Zwane's strike as they went into the break only trailing by one goal.24. Chaine, 27. Xoki, 5. Sibisi, 26. Shandu, 29. Mako, 8. Monare, 30. Baloni, 14. Saleng, 38. Mofokeng, 28. Maswanganyi, 9. Lepasa31. Ofori, 95. Erasmus, 39. Mthethwa, 25. Kimvuidi, 21. Kapinga, 11. Makaringe, 7. Hotto, 4. Timm, 2. Monyane30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 13. Boutouil, 34. Mvala, 40.