Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi were on target for Pirates, while Pule Mmodi netted for the AmaKhosi.
Chiefs had more shots at goal overall with 14-12, but fewer on target and also suffered from a red card to Inacio Miguel as Pirates took control in the second half.
Here are the player ratings according to Flashscore.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Sipho Chaine – 5.8
The lowest-rated Pirates player after a rare and costly error. He had made an early save from Duba but failed to deal with a low cross from Mfundo Vilakazi in the 30th, spilling the ball and allowing Mmodi to pounce on the rebound and equalise. It was only the second goal Pirates had conceded in nine league matches this season and the first from open play.
Deon Hotto – 5.9
The experienced Namibian struggled to impose himself at right-back. He conceded several free kicks in the first half, including fouls on Mmodi and former Pirates teammate Paseka Mako.
Nkosinathi Sibisi – 7.0
A solid performance from the Pirates captain at the heart of the defence. He also ventured forward and had an effort blocked in the 64th minute following a Mokobodi delivery.
Lebone Seema – 7.0
A mixed afternoon for the defender, who came close to scoring in the 19th minute when he headed narrowly wide from Mokobodi's corner. He was booked in the 43rd minute for a foul on Mmodi.
Nkosikhona Ndaba – 6.5
His involvement was limited to the opening 45 minutes before coach Abdeslam Ouaddou replaced him with Gamphani Lungu at halftime. He was caught offside shortly before the interval and was unable to make a major impact on proceedings.
Thalente Mbatha – 6.6
The midfielder had a relatively quiet afternoon by his standards, though he was involved in the physical battle for control of the centre of the pitch. He conceded an early free kick and was also penalised for a foul on Mduduzi Shabalala in the 33rd minute. He was replaced by Mpho Padime in the 59th minute.
Simphiwe Selepe – 6.4
He was booked in the 38th minute for a foul on Mmodi and had earlier been penalised for handball. With Pirates needing greater control in midfield, he was replaced by Mthetheleli Mthiyane in the 59th minute.
Thapelo Mokobodi – 8.4
The outstanding performer and comfortably the highest-rated player on the pitch. He provided the pass for Yanela Mbuthuma to open the scoring after 24 minutes and then set up Moremi's winner on a rapid counterattack. He might have had another assist in the 19th minute, but Seema sent his header wide from Mokobodi's corner. He also had an effort blocked early in the second half.
Simphiwe Masilela – 6.8
The youngster was heavily involved in the opening minutes and might have put Pirates ahead before their breakthrough. He had a shot blocked in the fourth minute and, moments later, sent another effort narrowly wide. Replaced by Oswin Appollis after 75 minutes.
Tshepang Moremi – 8.0
Another decisive performance from the in-form winger, who scored the winning goal 10 minutes after halftime when he was left with a simple finish after Mokobodi unselfishly squared the ball.
But he might have had more. He struck the woodwork with an audacious attempt from a tight angle in the 83rd minute and then wasted another opportunity in the 86th when he fired wide following a counterattack involving Appollis.
Yanela Mbuthuma – 7.2
The striker opened the scoring after 24 minutes, getting on the end of Mokobodi's pass before seeing his shot deflect off Thabo Moloisane and loop beyond goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
He had another opportunity in the 66th minute when substitute Lungu set him up on the counterattack, but sent his left-footed effort wide. Replaced by Evidence Makgopa after 75 minutes.
Substitutes
Mthetheleli Mthiyane – 6.8
Came on for Selepe in the 59th minute and helped Pirates through the closing stages. He conceded a free kick to Shabalala but otherwise had a relatively uneventful spell.
Gamphani Lungu – 7.0
Introduced at halftime, the Zambian provided fresh energy and pace in attack. He created a good opportunity for Mbuthuma in the 66th minute, but the striker shot wide. Lungu was also involved in the late incident that led to Miguel's dismissal.
Mpho Padime – 6.8
Replaced Mbatha in the 59th minute as Ouaddou sought to refresh his side. His introduction came shortly after Moremi's winning goal, with Pirates looking to protect their advantage.
Oswin Appollis – 6.7
Introduced for Masilela in the 75th minute and made a lively contribution. He had a goal controversially ruled out for offside after rounding Petersen, although television replays suggested he had timed his run correctly. He also created a clear opportunity for Moremi, only for his teammate to shoot wide following a quick break.
Evidence Makgopa – 6.7
Replaced Mbuthuma in the 75th minute and had an opportunity to add a third for Pirates, but his effort from outside the penalty area sailed over the crossbar.
KAIZER CHIEFS
Brandon Petersen – 6.1
The Chiefs captain endured a disappointing afternoon, although he had little chance with the deflection that carried Mbuthuma's opening goal beyond him. He was then exposed by a rapid Pirates counterattacke when Mokobodi advanced into the penalty area before squaring for Moremi to score.
Reeve Frosler – 6.5
The right-back was booked early for a foul on Moremi, leaving him under pressure for much of the contest. But he still made important attacking contributions, delivering the ball from which Duba headed narrowly wide just before halftime and another cross that led to a blocked header after the break. He was forced off through injury in the 69th minute.
Thabo Moloisane – 6.2
A difficult afternoon for the centre-back, whose deflection sent Mbuthuma's first-half effort beyond Petersen and into the net. He required treatment for an injury early in the second half, shortly before Moremi scored the winner.
Inácio Miguel – 5.3
The defender conceded an early corner and was booked in the 81st minute after fouling Moremi. He then received a second yellow card in stoppage time following a challenge on Lungu, leaving Chiefs to finish with 10 men.
Paseka Mako – 7.1
The former Pirates defender produced one of Chiefs' better performances against his old club. He was involved early, setting up a blocked Duba effort in the second minute, and won several free kicks as Hotto struggled to contain him.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa – 7.1
One of four Chiefs players to share the team's highest rating. The midfielder provided a degree of stability in the centre of the pitch and helped Chiefs compete with their opponents' talented midfield.
Lebohang Maboe – 5.9
A frustrating afternoon for the experienced midfielder, who missed the target with an effort from outside the box in only the second minute. He had another long-range shot blocked just before halftime and also required treatment for an injury during the first period.
Mfundo Vilakazi – 6.6
The young playmaker might have claimed an early assist when he set up Mmodi, only for his teammate to miss from close range. But he played a key role in Chiefs' equaliser, sending in the low cross that Chaine spilled before Mmodi reacted quickest to score. Vilakazi also had two shots blocked in quick succession shortly before halftime, with one deflected effort clipping the crossbar. He was replaced by Faiz Abrahams after 76 minutes.
Mduduzi Shabalala – 6.5
The attacking midfielder created an excellent chance for Duba in the 13th minute, but the striker was denied by Chaine. He was also involved in attacking moves that led to blocked efforts from Vilakazi and Duba. Shabalala tried his luck himself late in the game, but his shot from outside the area was blocked.
Pule Mmodi – 7.1
Chiefs' goalscorer was among their best performers but might have scored earlier. He missed from close range after being set up by Vilakazi on the counterattack. He made amends in the 30th minute, reacting quickest when Chaine failed to hold Vilakazi's cross and slotting home the equaliser. His movement also caused problems for Pirates, winning free kicks that led to bookings for Selepe and Seema. Replaced by Flávio Silva in the 82nd minute.
Wandile Duba – 7.1
The striker will feel he could have added to the hat-trick he scored against TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout earlier in the week. His shot from inside the area was saved by Chaine after a fine pass from Shabalala. He then headed narrowly wide on the stroke of halftime after a Frosler delivery. He also headed wide from an Abrahams cross. He was a constant threat but lacked the clinical finishing he had shown in midweek.
Substitutes
Zitha Kwinika – 6.1
Replaced the injured Frosler in the 69th minute and was tasked with helping Chiefs keep Pirates at bay as they searched for a late equaliser.
Faiz Abrahams – 6.2
Introduced for Vilakazi in the 76th minute and provided a dangerous delivery in the 86th minute following a corner, but Duba could only head wide. His contribution was not enough to rescue a point for Chiefs.
Ethan Chislett – Not rated
Introduced in the 82nd minute for Maboe but did not receive a rating after his brief appearance.
Flávio Silva – Not rated
Replaced goalscorer Mmodi in the 82nd minute but had little opportunity to influence the outcome and was not awarded a rating.