It was also a victory for Buccaneers head coach Jose Riveiro in what was his 100th match in charge of the Soweto giants.

It was the visitors who had the better start to the contest without really threatening the Pirates goal but were dangerous on the few set-pieces they had.

It was the home side that took the lead though after 26 minutes when Thabiso Monyane's long-range shot was spilled by goalkeeper Ian Otieno and Makgopa was on hand to tap home.

Pirates almost doubled their advantage 10 minutes before the halftime break when Monyane again had a shot from outside the box but Otieno this time pulled off a decent save.

The final goal-scoring opportunity of the first-half also fell to the hosts but Thabiso Sesane headed inches wide from a corner.

The Buccaneers continued to control proceedings and Otieno was again called into action, this time to deny Mohau Nkota who let fly with a left-footed long-range effort.

Richards Bay were never a threat going forward and hardly tested home shot-stopper Sipho Chaine but were solid at the back to keep the scoreline down.

The win sees Orlando Pirates go six points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, who take on Polokwane City on Wednesday, while visitors remain 12th in the standings after their fourth loss in seven league outings.

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