Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler has lauded the partnership of Kermit Erasmus and Lehlohonolo Majoro after the pair combined to lead the side to a 2-1 win over AmaZulu.

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The Buccaneers found themselves trailing to Mbulelo Mabizela's 66th-minute strike in their first game back since the PSL went on break in December, but Majoro managed to level matters soon after before setting up Erasmus' injury-time winner.

And, speaking after the game, a clearly delighted Tinkler said: "Kermit came on and provided for Majoro and they make a very good partnership.

"I thought when he came on, at first, he was little bit lethargic, he wasn't helping us and fortunately he got that opportunity and he got great pass from Majoro to give us the lead."

Tinkler went on to defend his decision to start Lennox Bacela ahead of Erasmus, saying: "It was tactical decision because we knew they will play long balls and they have a lot of height in the team so we needed to match them and Lennox was important in our tactical play.

"Also, we wanted to bring on somebody whose got the ability like Kermit, especially later on in the game who can be an impact player when he is nice and fresh and the defence is tired and he ends up producing that.

"He can still be vital and important player to the squad."