KERMIT Erasmus finally delivered a decisive goal as Orlando Pirates came from behind to grab a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Bidvest Wits - just days after the drama of losing coach Roger de Sa.

Last night's victory meant the Buccaneers advanced to sixth place in the Premier Soccer League standings and gave caretaker coach Eric Tinkler a satisfying start to his new tenure.

Pirates were behind at half time, but fought back in a pacey second half with goals from Helder Pelembe and Erasmus.

The Mozambican import equalised in the 56th minute as he got onto the end of Khethokwakhe Masuku's cross for his first goal in Pirates' colours - cleverly glancing the ball wide of Wits goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs. Masuku set up the winner with a sweeping pass which found Thabo Matlaba, who squared for Erasmus to head home for a 74th minute winner.

The Students took the lead at half-time after Sifiso Vilakazi ghosted ahead of defender Happy Jele to knock home a cross from right-back Siyabonga Nhlapo in the 20th minute as Wits look to stretch their winning streak in the league to four successive matches.

But Pirates had other ideas as they dominated the second half, having brought Erasmus on at half time. Defeat for Gavin Hunt's side comes after a long hiatus and leaves them 11 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs with two games in hand.

Josephs made some decisive saves to keep Pirates' tally down - gaining much personal satisfaction after the outburst from Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula against him following his horror error at the African Nations Championship last month.

Bucs midfielder Lehlohonolo Masalesa missed a chance in the first minute after a Jele flick-on from a corner.

lSbu Mjikeliso reports from Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban that AmaZulu have made a habit of sucker-punching teams late on in the game. They caught Ajax Cape Town with their guard down late to steal a 1-0 win in another PSL match last night.

Usuthu were under pressure from an Ajax side that looked almost as sharp as they were during the Thulani Serero and Khama Billiat days.

But a Goodman Dlamini jab five minutes from time left them dejected, exasperated and depressed.

The Urban Warriors had all the chances, but some resilient goalkeeping from Philani Zikalala, who got little help from his defence, kept the visitors outside of the door.

It is safe to say AmaZulu will not get relegated this season, and credit for that must go to coach Craig Rosslee, who saved them from the drop last season.

l A late goal by Tintswalo Tshabalala secured a point for Platinum Stars after playing to a 2-all draw against Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

City looked like they were winning the encounter until Tshabalala equalised six minutes from the final whistle.

The home side were the first to find the back of the net through Puleng Tlolane in the fourth minute.

The exciting Tlolane, who was voted the team's young player of the year last season, completed his brace in the 26th minute. Robert Ng'ambi reduced the deficit three minutes from half time after he profited from Henrico Botes pass.