The defending Wafa Wafa champions are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, and Deon Hotto's first-half strike has given the Buccaneers a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Pirates started brightly and could have opened the scoring early after Yanela Mbuthuma's strong pressing forced Sekhukhune into a mistake. The ball fell kindly for Simphiwe Masilela, but he fired wide from a promising position.

Sekhukhune responded almost immediately, with Bright Ndlovu getting on the end of a cross in the seventh minute, although his header sailed over the crossbar.

The Buccaneers continued to enjoy more possession and put the hosts under pressure. Another opportunity came in the 16th minute when a Thapelo Mokobodi cross found Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, but his header missed the target.

As the first half progressed, Pirates looked increasingly dangerous. Hotto tested his former teammate Melusi Buthelezi with a well-struck effort, forcing the Sekhukhune goalkeeper into a save.

With five minutes remaining before the break, Mpho Rammala fired wide for Sekhukhune. Pirates then made their pressure count moments later when Hotto exchanged a quick one-two with Gamphani Lungu before finding the back of the net with a well taken strike.

The visitors came close to doubling their advantage shortly after the restart, with Oswin Appollis' powerful long-range effort narrowly missing the target.

Sekhukhune pushed for an equaliser as the second half progressed, but Pirates' defence held firm. Thabo Nkwana came close to restoring parity, only for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to make a crucial touch and keep out the goal-bound effort.

Both coaches made changes as the match wore on, with Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou handing Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen his debut. The newcomer quickly tested the Sekhukhune defence but sent his effort over the bar.

Pirates ultimately held on to their advantage and will now take a slender lead into the second leg, scheduled for 29 August at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Before then, however, the two sides will meet again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, setting up another intriguing encounter between the Buccaneers and Babina Noko.

"We didn't have the quality," admits Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler after Richards Bay stalemate