Have Bucs found new Senzo Meyiwa? SuperSport United's relegation fears deepen as Mohau Nkota and goalkeeper shine in Orlando Pirates victory over Tshwane giants

Orlando Pirates saw off struggling SuperSport United 1-0 in a Premier Soccer League match on Tuesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Mohau Nkota scored the only goal of the game as the Sea Robbers piled more pressure on relegation-threatened Matsatsantsa.

SuperSport United tested Pirates debutant Siyabonga Dladla in the first minute, and the goalkeeper dealt with the threat with tangible composure. Dladla made a quick decision from his area to clear a dangerous ball with Christian Saile lurking threateningly.

Ricardo Gross did well to stop a Pirates' dangerous attacking move in the 27th minute. Deon Hotto picked out Tshegofatso Mabasa, but the forward was denied by Gross as another chance for the visitors failed to yield any meaningful result.

Saile again threatened to break the deadlock in the 35th minute, but this time around, it was Nkosinathi Sibisi who dealt with him.

SuperSport, just like they did in the first half, had an early chance but were denied by a timely block by Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the 46th minute. The Bucs' defence at that point was stretched, and Lebohang Maboe got some space to cause havoc, only to be stopped by the young defender.

Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Nkota, with an assist from Karim Kimvuidi, found the back of the net. Kimvuidi's introduction added a sense of urgency to the Pirates' attacking line, something that was hitherto missing.

The home side almost claimed an equaliser in the 89th minute, but Maboe was denied by the upright.

With 59 points, Pirates remain second, while SuperSport are 14th with 26 points.

Dladla kept a clean sheet on his debut and also made crucial saves to help Pirates not go down despite being caught off guard on two occasions.

Just like legendary Pirates keeper Senzo Meyiwa, Dladla was also nurtured in the Bucs academy before being promoted to the first team.

Has the 24-year-old proved his worth to earn more minutes in the remaining games and even in next season?

Coach Andre Arendse should be feeling much more pressure now as SuperSport's relegation woes get deeper.

The game was a big chance for Matsatsantsa to pull away from bottom-placed Cape Town City, but they could not do that. They have 26 points each, with one game to go for both.

Pirates remain with two games: against AmaZulu and Magesi on May 24 and May 28, respectively.

On May 24, SuperSport will entertain Richards Bay as they conclude the season.