Kaizer Chiefs extended their winning run in the Absa Premiership to six games after claiming a 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

Ernst Middendorp’s men came into this encounter after stretching their lead at the top of the league standings to seven points, following their 2-0 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday evening.

Rhulani Mokwena’s side, meanwhile, extended their winless run to two games following their goalless draw with Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The last time the two sides met, Amakhosi came out on top after securing a 4-2 win on penalties in the Telkom Knockout Cup last weekend.

Amakhosi got off to the perfect start and took the lead after 45 seconds when Ntsikelelo Nyauza nodded the ball into his own net.

Pirates nearly levelled matters in the second minute as Fortune Makaringe rattled the woodwork with his powerful stroke from distance.

Khama Billiat had a chance to double his side’s lead in the 15th minute but the Amakhosi attacker blazed his effort wide of target.

Wayne Sandilands came to his side’s rescue in the 22nd minute when he tipped away Samir Nurkovic’s effort at goal.

Chiefs then doubled their lead five minutes later when Leonardo Castro headed the ball into the bottom corner.

The Buccaneers managed to level matters after 39 minutes when Vincent Pule pulled a goal back from a stunning free kick.

The game went into half time with Amakhosi taking a 2-1 lead over Pirates.

Middendorp opted to make an early change in the second half when he introduced Dumisani Zuma, who came on to replace Castro.

Thembinkosi Lorch should have equalised in the 51st minute but saw his header crash off the upright from close range.

The Buccaneers’ persistence paid off and levelled matters eight minutes later through a superb strike from Gabadinho Mhango.

The home side made their second change of the game after 62 minutes when Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya replaced George Maluleka in the midfield.

Sandilands kept the score line level four minutes later when he produced a double save to deny Billiat and Eric Mathoho in quick succession.

Mokwena made his first change of the game after 70 minutes when Justin Shonga came on for Pule, while Chiefs brought on Bernard Parker to replace Reeve Frosler a minute later.

Amakhosi were then awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute of the game. Daniel Cardoso stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick.

The visitors opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs when Augustine Mulenga came on for Xolani Mlambo.

Chiefs were reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute when Mathoho received his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.

However, Chiefs held on to their lead over Pirates until the final whistle to claim all three points at the FNB Stadium.