Deon Hotto heroics and Sipho Chaine saves hand Orlando Pirates hard fought win against unlucky Sekhukhune United to keep pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates, once again, proved they are ready to push for the Premier Soccer League title with a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The first goal came in the fifth minute when the ever-green Deon Hotto squeezed his free-kick past the wall, and goalkeeper before hitting the back of the net.

Two minutes after the break, Bucs doubled the advantage when Makhehleni Makhaula headed in Hotto's perfect delivery beyond Badra Sangare.
Babina Noko were determined to get into the game. Their efforts paid dividends in the 77th minute when their former player Linda Mntambo scrambled the ball into the net after a double save by Chaine.

Chaine then pulled another save to deny Sipho Mbule as Pirates held on to claim maximum points.
The Buccaneers remain second on the table with 33 points from 13 matches, six less than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played a game more.

Sekhukhune are fourth with 24 points from 15 outings.

Chaine was impressive and determined to keep a clean sheet but his defence let him down.

He is narrowly beaten by the 34-year-old Deon Hotto who scored and provided an assist as Pirates continue to pile pressure on Sundowns.

Imagine finding yourself with an empty net with your team trailing 2-0 and you fail to hit the target!

Well, that is the story of Pogiso Mahlangu who failed to cut the deficit with the goalkeeper out of sight.

He was eventually subbed and Mntambo took his place.

The next game for Pirates will be interesting; they will be at Loftus Versfeld Stadium playing the defending champions and rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

To date, Masandawana have tasted a single defeat from the 14 games played across all competitions, while Bucs have lost two out of 13 meaning they will be hoping to beat Downs and reduce the gap between them.

Sekhukhune United will be aiming at bouncing back to winning ways when they host goal-shy SuperSport United who equally fell to Sundowns on Wednesday night.