Pirates are level with Mamelodi Sundowns on 29 points with a game in hand, but their +13 goal-difference sees them behind their title rivals, who are on +15.

It was not the worst result away against a tricky opponent, with their next assignment at home to Magesi FC on Saturday, where they will look to extend their unbeaten domestic run that started in August.

A 1-1 draw against Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinals on August 16 was the first game in this sequence, which had followed a shock 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants, the latter coming from behind to stun The Buccaneers.

It should not be forgotten that Pirates lost their first two league games of the season, also going down 1-0 at home to Sekhukhune United.

Since that draw with Sundowns, they have won 14 matches in the league, MTN8 and Carling Knockout, going on to lift both of the latter two trophies.

In fact, the only team they have not beaten in that run is Sundowns and now Sekhukhune.

They played to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal against Sundowns but advanced on penalties, and then drew 1-1 again with them in the league.

They have scored 27 goals in those 18 games and conceded only five, three of which were against Sundowns. Magesi FC, in the Carling Knockout, and Lamontville Golden Arrows in the league, are the only other sides to find the back of the net against The Buccaneers. They have kept an impressive 13 clean sheets in those 18 games.

If you include the CAF Champions League matches then Pirates have a single defeat in 22 games, winning 17 of those.

That loss came away at St Eloi Lupopo in the DR Congo, when they inexplicably went down 3-0. Although they won the second leg by the same scoreline, they were ousted on penalties.