Premier Soccer League log leaders Orlando Pirates extended their lead to six points over rivals Kaizer Chiefs when the Buccaneers beat Wits University 1-0 at Oppenheimer Stadium in Orkney on Sunday.
The goal was scored in the first half.
Pirates registered their 17th win. They now have amassed 59 points from 29 matches, while second-placed Chiefs have 53 points from 27 matches.
Wits, also known as the Students, suffered their 12th defeat against five victories and 12 draws from 29 matches. They are now perched second from the bottom and are heading for relegation.
Wits, who played their last home game, are left with only one game to make amends. This is the first time the Students have found themselves in this situation.
Their exit, should they lose their remaining game against Silver Stars, will be their first in more than 30 years.
Pirates, who were in a must-win situation on Sunday, took the lead in the 31st minute via the golden boot of Gift Leremi. He tapped home a rebound off a Steve Lekoelea attempt.
Lekoelea’s shot hit the woodwork and the ball rolled back into the field, where it was met by a pouncing Leremi, who converted. It was his eighth goal.
The goal came as no shock. Pirates were on the war path from the start, buzzing for an early goal. They mounted their attack, forcing the Students to back-pedal as it progressed.
But the game itself was lukewarm and of poor quality. Tempers flared and players from sides dished out flying tackles.
Wits Isaac Mabotsa and Sipho Mngomezulu were booked in the 39th and 78th minutes respectively, while Lekoelea, Abednego Netshodwe and Tonic Chabala were cautioned in the 69th, 84th and 89th minutes respectively.
Lekoelea was booked for faking an injury after a tussle for the ball with a Wits defender. — Sapa