Evidence Makgopa's first-half strike was all Orlando Pirates needed to beat Richards Bay 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium and open a six-point lead on top of the table. It was also the first time in the club's history the Sea Robbers have won seven games in a row in the Premier Soccer League.
The Soweto Giants came into the match in high spirits after their good start to the new campaign as opposed to the Natal Rich Boys who were looking for their second win in the league.
Victory for the home team meant the Buccaneers would have a six-point advantage on top of the table ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns who are the defending champions.
Otieno's resilience breached by Makgopa
The visitors looked to defend deep in early exchanges, hoping to catch Pirates on counterattacks, a tactic that saw Jose Riveiro's side enjoy a lion's share of ball possession.
Nevertheless, they struggled to penetrate the Richards Bay defense with Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota being forced to go back anytime they were in a promising position.
It took Thabiso Monyane's intelligence for Bucs to open the scoring in the 26th minute. His stinging effort was parried by Kenya international goalkeeper Ian Otieno, but the rebound fell kindly ahead of Evidence Makgopa who somehow managed to beat the custodian with his second attempt. That was his fourth goal of the season in the league.
In the last couple of minutes, Monyane saw his effort being put out for an unfruitful corner, before Thabiso Sesane's glancing header missed the target with the goalkeeper well beaten.
Hungry Bucs push for more goals
After the pause, the Buccaneers continued from where they stopped with Nkota forcing Otieno into a fine save in the 53rd minute.
The game turned out to be a one-sided affair as the MTN8 champions dominated from the back to the final third.
Makgopa could have done better in the 66th minute when a good ball was played to him in the danger zone, but his header went straight to Otieno who had no problem preventing the ball from hitting the back of the net.
Despite a few chances late into the game by either side, there was no second goal. Pirates are now on 21 points while Richards Bay remain with five points from seven games as well.
