By Michael Madyira
Tshegofatso Mabasa grabbed a first-half brace as Orlando Pirates boosted their chances of a Premier Soccer League top-two finish.
The Buccaneers registered a 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Mabasa first struck on 36 minutes before converting a penalty three minutes before the break as Pirates ran to collect maximum points.
Despite getting the three points, the Buccaneers remain third on the PSL table but made some progress to sit just a point behind second-placed Stellenbosch.
This follows the Cape Winelands side’s 0-0 draw at home to AmaZulu on the same evening.
With Mamelodi Sundowns having already been confirmed as PSL champions, the top-two race is becoming interesting and headed for a photo finish.
The win for Pirates was their fifth on the spin as they launch a late charge to secure a CAF Champions League spot for next season.
Mabasa’s brace took him to 13 league goals as he chases the Golden Boot race which is currently led by Stellenbosch’s Iqraam Rayners.
Three league games remain before the current campaign is concluded and the Buccaneers will be praying Stellenbiosch drop points again, while they win.
Elsewhere on the same evening, Sundowns were held 0-0 by Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium.
The Brazilians ended the match with 10 men following a 46th-minute red card to defender Mosa Lebusa.
But they held on with a man short to remain unbeaten this season as they push for the PSL records.
Sundowns are bidding to finish the term unbeaten and also break the 71-point mark they achieved at the end of the 2015/16 season.
They have two games in hand, translating to 15 points on offer.
At the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Richards Bay could not do much in their fight against relegation following a 0-0 draw with hosts Polokwane City.
The Natal Rich Boyz are still 15th on the log while Polokwane City are ninth.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa beating his Chippa United marker
Image source: Orlando Pirates
