The two teams launched attacks from the onset, with in-form Relebohile Mofokeng forcing a first minute save from City goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula, while Bonginkosi Dlamini missed with a header immediately afterwards.
Both sides seemed to be restricted to long range attempts in search of the opener with Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi coming closest to scoring with a header from close range at the half hour mark.
Bucs midfielder Thalente Mbatha almost broke the deadlock at the stroke of half time, but his header from a Deon Hotto cross missed the target.
The visitors continued to probe for the first goal in the second half until Mofokeng opened the scoring with a header following a rebound from a Mathebula save in the 53rd minute.
The Betway Premiership Player of the Month almost doubled the lead with a well taken shot from outside the box just two minutes later, with City shot stopper forced into a save.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made a few changes to refresh his attack in search of more goals, but his team could not convert from numerous chances created without having any real threat from Rise and Shine.
However, the home side took found an 86th minute equalizer against the run of play when Bonkingosi Dlamini slotted home following a headed pass from veteran Puleng Tlolane.
Pirates pushed for an all-important winner and were rewarded when Patrick Maswanganyi swept home a Deon Hotto cross to restore the one goal lead.
The Buccaneers remain on top of the league table due to a one goal superior goal difference to Mamelodi Sundowns whose 2-1 victory against Golden Arrows on Wednesday has seen them remain second after conceding a late goal.
Meanwhile, Polokwane City remain in seventh position on the log.
Mike Makaab has clarified the reason behind Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule missing the recent Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, confirming the player is recovering from a minor injury.
Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder Makhehleni 'Cash' Makhaula believes the club's rising stars could form the backbone of Bafana Bafana's squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his side for overcoming Polokwane City 2-1 but admits they struggled on the pitch at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Sekhukhune United were held 1-1 by Durban City, Marumo Gallants broke a 12-match winless streak with a 3-1 win over Chippa United while AmaZulu extended their goal drought in a goalless draw with Magesi in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening.
