Sekhukhune United moved further away from the relegation zone after defeating Richards Bay FC 3-1 on Saturday evening.
The Natal Rich Boyz kept the same line-up from their thumping win over SuperSport United in their last game before the break, as Justice Figuareido and Somila Ntsundwana led the attack.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, gave Ghanaian striker Michael Sarpong and Asekho Tiwani their debuts while former Orlando Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo returned from his long-term injury.
Babina Noko had a perfect start after Mntambo marked his return with the opener on 12 minutes with a well taken shot.
Sekhukhune pinned Richards Bay in their own half, with Mntambo instrumental in midfield but they could not create clear chances.
Vilakazi's charges were still absorbing the pressure and they nearly paid for it ten minutes before the interval after Sarpong muscled his way into the box but fired his shot wide.
However, the game was evenly matched towards the end of the first stanza as Sekhukhune went to the break with a narrow lead.
Lehlohonolo Seema made an attacking change at half-time as he brought on Chibuike Ohizu in place of Sarpong.
Richards Bay were still playing on counter-attacks and just after the hour-mark Moses Mthembu finally equalised.
However, Vilakazi's troops shot themselves in the foot after they conceded a penalty just after that.
Ohizu stepped up for Babina Noko and restored their lead with a well taken spot-kick.
The game was on the edge in the closing stages, with both sides threatening but Thamsanqa Masiya sealed the three points for United in stoppage time after making it 3-1.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United:Learner, Cardoso, Mkhabela, Yamba, Tiwani, Mokotjo, Mntambo, Mncube, Mkhize, Mokwana, Sarpong
Richards Bay: FC: Magoola, Komane, Dube, Mcineka, Ndaba, Barns, Mabuya, Gumede, Ntsundwana, Figuareido, Mthembu
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