Pirates latest signings, strikers Lelo Mbele and Davies Mwape, scored in the 38th and 72nd minutes respectively while David Radebe gave Chiefs a glimmer of hope when he scored late in extra-time, but it was too late to make a spectacular comeback as Bucs held on to win their second Kudu Horn and R1 million.

Bucs were all over the reigning league champions from the first whistle and exposed their defence when Joseph Makhanya skipped past defender Fabian McCarthy in the first minute and crossed, albeit into the hands of Rowen Fernandez, priming the tone of the game.

Makhanya tormented McCarthy and left-back Bevan Fransman throughout the half but Pirates could not capitalise on his efficiency. On the opposite wing for the Bucs Mokoena had the better of right-back Nhlanlha Kubheka with his swiftness.

The mercurial Amakhosi winger Arthur Zwane tested Bucs defender Onyekachi Onkwonkwo in the seventh minute and left the Nigerian defender, with Edward Malinga, for dead as he ran into the 18-yard-area but Francis Chansa responded quickest to the danger.

Chiefs, lacking a recognised goal poacher, had decent chances with veteran John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu going close in the 27th minute. Fransman made a rare run up the field and delivered a low cross to Moshoeu whose shot was foiled by Malinga.

The SA international then thwarted a likely cross by the 39-year-old playmaker. The resultant corner by Zwane found Moshoeu free in the six-yard area but his header went agonisingly wide.

On the other end Fernandez made a brilliant save in the 28th minute when Mwape ran onto a Mokoena pass in the 18-area. However 10 minutes later Fernandez, and the Chiefs defence, was caught cold when a perfectly weighted ball from Okwonkwo found Mokoena free on the right and he picked out Mbele who shot home first time.

The ‘Happy People’ celebrated wildly and held on to take their slender advantage into the break whereas Gert Schalkwyk came on seconds before for the injured Ntokoza Sikhakane.

The Sea-robbers started the second half with the same enthusiasm while Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp introduced striker Patrick Mayo for the unproductive Lucky Mzizi.

Pirates’ ability to attack in numbers increased while Schalkwyk initially struggled to pull the strings in midfield against a forceful midfield led by Benedict Vilakazi.

three minutes in the half and Mwape chased a through ball which Fernandez beat him to, but the keepers clearance fell to Mokoena who attempted to lob the ball into the net, unfortunately he put too much force in it.

Amakhosi searched for an equalizer frantically but against the watchful couple of Malinga and Tonic Chabalala they struggled painstakingly.

Pirates’ coach decided to replace the industrious duo of Makhanya and Mokoena for Steve Lekoelea and Perry Mutapa respectively. With less than 30 minutes remaining Lekoelea maintained the pressure and created the second goal to the delight of the Pirates fans.

Lekoelea found himself in space on the right and charged towards goal and sent in a dangerous cross that Mwape forced in. Middendorp introduced striker David Radebe for Moshoeu whilst Papic introduced a defensive player, Eddie Dinha, for Mbele.

Fransman sent in an excellent cross to Radebe who made no mistake with one touch to give Amakhosi hope for a comeback. Fernandez, brilliant in goal for Chiefs, stepped up for a free kick with seconds to go but his attempt, unlike his saves, dismal.