Bidvest Wits extended their winning run to three games in the Absa Premiership after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

Gavin Hunt’s side came into this clash off the back of a 1-0 aggregate victory over Swazi outfit Young Buffalos FC in their two-legged Caf Confederation first round.

The Buccaneers arrived after claiming their first victory under Rhulani Mokwena when they secured a 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium on 14 September.

The last time the two sides met, Pirates came out on top after claiming a 1-0 victory over the Clever Boys at the Bidvest Stadium in the last league clash on 6 April.

The Clever Boys got off to the perfect start when Deon Hotto found the net from a free kick after two minutes of play.

Brandon Petersen was called into action after the 12th minute when he produced a good save to keep out Fortune Makaringe’s effort from the edge of the box.

The Buccaneers continued to dominate proceedings and levelled matters in stoppage time after Tshegofatso Mabaso showed his composure by volleying his effort into the top corner.

The game went into half time with the scoreline locked at 1-1.

After spells of domination, the visitors eventually levelled in first-half stoppage time after Tshegofatso Mabasa brought down Xola Mlambo’s precision pass and volleyed into the top corner.

The Clever Boys made a double change at the start of the second half when they introduced Haashim Domingo and Brighton Mhlongo for Sameehg Doutie and Petersen.

Wits took the lead for the second time in the game after 50 minutes when Mxolisi Macuphu calmly found the top corner to make it 2-1.

The Soweto giants made a double change of their own four minutes later when Mhango and Monyane replaced Mlambo and Ndlovu.

Pirates wasted no time in equalising when Nyatama showed good control before firing his effort past Mhlongo.

The Students then took the lead again after 68 minutes when Cole Alexander fired his volley past Delle to find the net.

Pirates made their final change in the 76th minute when Makaringe made way for Kabelo Dlamini.

Wits should have scored a fourth goal as Macheke skipped past Happy Jele before firing his effort wide of Delle’s goal.

The home side eventually made it 4-2 in the 81st minute when Domingo played Phathutshedzo Nange through on goal before slotting his effort past Delle.

Pirates then pulled a goal back two minutes later after Gabadinho Mhango found the back of the net to make it 4-3.

Zitha Macheke made a great block in the 86th minute to deny Pirates from scoring an equaliser at the far post.

However, Wits held on to their lead over Pirates until the final whistle to collect all three points at home.