By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night to open a three-point gap at the summit of the log table.
Pirates were close to getting the opener five minutes in when a short-corner routine by Deon Hotto and Daniel Msendami led to a cross in the box for the on-rushing S’bangani Zulu for a simple tap-in, but goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi responded timeously against his former side.
The visitors did little to trouble the Pirates backline as the midway point of the first half approached, while Kamogelo Sebelebele and Daniel Msendami racked up the goal-scoring attempts.
Pirates scored the opening goal in the 38th minute with a strike from Boitumelo Radiopane and that saw Pirates go into the tunnel at the interval with a deserved lead.
In the second half, Pirates doubled their lead just after the hour mark with a composed finish from Oswin Appollis, who received an unselfish ball from Radiopane who was through on the righthand side.
The hosts continued to hold most of the ball during the closing stages of the game while Sekhukhune often fell short at the final hurdle.
Pirates remain on top of the table with 10 points, three more than Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu, who will be in action on Wednesday.