Orbit College, meanwhile, remain mired in 14th on three points after the same number of outings, their defensive resolve tested but ultimately breached by a moment of brilliance.

The first half unfolded as a cagey affair, with both sides sharing 50% possession and trading chances without finding the net.

Pirates, buoyed by home support, generated four attempts, including a sharp right-footed effort from Patrick Maswanganyi in the seventh minute that goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane parried away comfortably.

Deon Hotto nearly caught Orbit off guard with a speculative long-range left-footed strike in the 32nd minute, but it sailed just over the bar.

Orbit, showing no signs of intimidation despite their top-flight inexperience, responded with six shots of their own, Lethabo Modimoeng and Lucky Malatsi both went close, though Pirates' stopper Sipho Chaine was equal to Modimoeng's curling effort from distance in the 42nd minute.

The half ended goalless, a testament to the physicality and tactical discipline on display from two teams still finding their rhythm early in the season.

Pirates emerged from the interval with renewed intent, making a triple change at the break: Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, and Nkosikhona Ndaba replaced Abdoulaye Fousseyni Mariko, Sihle Nduli, and Hotto, respectively, injecting fresh legs into the midfield and attack.

Orbit soon followed suit, with Katlego Mkhabela coming on for the injured Kobamelo Setlhodi in the 56th minute. It was moments later that the game's defining moment arrived.

Lebone Seema, the Pirates defender, unleashed a spectacular right-footed rocket from outside the box, curling into the top right corner past a helpless Moerane, a strike hailed across social media as a "stunner" and "powerful" for its precision and venom.

The 57th-minute goal shifted the momentum decisively, rewarding Pirates' growing dominance.

Orbit refused to wilt, pushing forward with substitutions of their own, Gomolemo Khoto for Ikaneng Ramosala, Tshepo Matsemela for Modimoeng, and Ayanda Lukhele for Malatsi around the 67th-68th minute mark, while Pirates introduced Tshepang Moremi for Oswin Appollis.

Siyabulela Mabele tested Chaine with a low drive in the 70th minute, but the Buccaneers' backline held firm. Pirates, now controlling 55% possession overall, peppered Orbit with 14 attempts to their opponents' 10, though Maswanganyi and Mbule were denied by blocks and wayward finishes.

Tshegofatso Mabasa came agonizingly close in the 73rd minute, his close-range shot saved before a follow-up from Kamogelo Sebelebele was smothered.

Evidence Makgopa entered late for Mabasa, and Orbit's final change saw Oarabile Moeti replace Mabele in added time, but the visitors couldn't muster an equalizer.

This hard-fought win underscores Pirates' resilience under pressure, with Seema's thunderbolt proving the difference in a match low on goals but high on intensity.

For Orbit, the narrow defeat highlights their promise but also the step up in quality they'll need to navigate the Premiership survival battle. As the Buccaneers build momentum, eyes now turn to their next fixture, while Orbit will regroup for the challenges ahead.

Mbombela Stadium chosen as MTN8 final venue