ORLANDO Pirates showed their quality in adapting to surprise tactics by Bidvest Wits to earn a 1-0 Absa Premiership victory at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.

Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic praised his side for earning a tricky third win in a the space of a month against Wits, and for keeping their focus ahead of Saturday's big MTN8 final against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Siyabonga Sangweni's 84th-minute strike, which rebounded off the woodwork and then hit Wits goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez on the back to go in, separated the sides.

"It was a very tough game for us," Vermezovic said.

"It can be very difficult to beat the same opponent twice in a short space of time, so you can imagine three times.

"We were lucky, I have to admit. Early on they had excellent opportunities to score but fortunately our goalkeeper was aware.

"I'm very happy with the three points, but more with the approach from our players. It's always difficult to play a game before a big final."

Pirates - like their MTN8 final opponents Chiefs, who beat Pretoria University 2-1 at FNB Stadium - came back from the Fifa international break with a win.

"It was very important to get a win after this Fifa break," Vermezovic said. "All teams [this weekend] played at a lower level than before.

"We will get our rhythm as soon as possible. We want to stay in the race for the championship."