Cape Town – Orlando Pirates had to settle for the runners-up spot in the Absa Premiership after a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City meant that Mamelodi Sundowns won the title.

There were no chances in an evenly-matched opening, but the hosts had the first sniff at goal on 14 minutes when Mpho Matsi curled a first-time shot wide of the right post from 22 yards out after a cross was cleared in his direction.

City were fortunate to survive two penalty appeals in quick succession on the 28-minute mark as the ball struck Taariq Fielies on the arm, before Robyn Johannes handled a shot on the rebound.

Patosi broke the deadlock just seven minutes later with a fine strike on the half-volley from outside the area that flew into the bottom corner of the net.

Pirates responded well in the closing stages of the first half and thought they had equalised just before the break through Thabo Qalinge, but the offside flag cut short their celebrations.

The Soweto giants made a bright start to the second half and Qalinge went close again in the 67th minute as his volley from 17 yards out struck the top of the crossbar.

Sage Stephens was alert to the danger when Qalinge got in behind the defence on the right in the 83rd minute, with his shot deflected wide off the keeper's back.

However, Benni McCarthy's men held on for all three points which lifted them up to fifth in the table. For Bucs, they have to settle for CAF Champions League football after seeing Sundowns crowned top-flight champions.