Pirates victory closes gap behind Sundowns to one point

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was thrilled on Sunday after a 2-0 win at Marumo Gallants moved his club within one point of South African Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The victory followed another 2-0 win, at home to Durban City in Soweto three days ago, as Pirates played catch-up after CAF Champions League qualifying commitments spanning two weekends.

Sundowns, who surrendered the title to Pirates last season after eight consecutive league triumphs, have 20 points from eight matches. Pirates have 19 with a game in hand.

"I wanted two victories and no goals conceded and that is what I got," former Fulham Premier League defender and Morocco international Ouaddou told reporters.

"We could have scored one or two more goals, but it was an efficient performance, We are well placed ahead of the FIFA international window."

Kabelo Kgostlile scored after 32 minutes against bottom club Marumo in north-west mining town Rustenburg and South Africa defender Nkosinathi Sibisi doubled the lead on 74 minutes.

Pirates have made an impressive start to their title defence, scoring 16 goals while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has conceded just one.

Kaizer Chiefs, seeking a first Premiership title since 2015, lost ground. A 0-0 draw with mid-table Golden Arrows left them seven points behind Sundowns.

Sundowns were on international duty, defeating Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final in Pretoria on Saturday.