Orlando Pirates tightened their grip on a second-place finish in the league with a victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

This encounter marked consecutive clashes between the two teams, following their recent Nedbank Cup semi-final clash where Pirates emerged triumphant with a convincing 3-1 win on Saturday.

The Buccaneers began the game on the front foot, with Tshegofatso Mabasa scoring his 14th league goal in the 36th minute to give his side an early advantage.

Before Chippa could muster a response, Pirates received a golden opportunity when Baraka Majogoro conceded a penalty for a handball inside the box, stopping Innocent Maela’s threatening cross.

Mabasa, displaying nerves of steel, calmly converted the penalty, securing his 15th league goal and ascending to the top of the DStv Premiership top scorers’ chart, one ahead of Iqraam Rayners.

This win brings Pirates closer to second-placed Stellenbosch, who were held to a goalless draw by AmaZulu at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday.

With only three games remaining in the season, Orlando Pirates now have their sights set on overtaking Stellenbosch to secure their qualification for the prestigious CAF Champions League, having won five league matches on the bounce.