The Buccaneers have conceded only once in eight games, and that came from the penalty spot when AmaZulu’s Zimbabwean forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya netted in a 1-1 draw in August.

Since then, Pirates have gone more than 60 minutes of league football without conceding, keeping six consecutive clean sheets.

That draw remains the only occasion on which Pirates have dropped points in the league this season as they seek to defend their Betway Premiership title.

Along with Mamelodi Sundowns (W7 D2) and Chiefs (W3 D5), Pirates (W7 D1) remain unbeaten this campaign, while the next-best defence belongs to Lamontville Golden Arrows, who have conceded four goals. Both Sundowns and Chiefs have already conceded eight times.

Pirates have also been impressive at the other end of the pitch, scoring 19 goals, the second-highest tally in the league behind Sundowns (23).

But the Buccaneers boast the best goal difference in the competition at +18, three better than Sundowns.

Chiefs have scored the third-most goals in the league with 13.