Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi said getting three points was important after a disappointing first-half against Magesi FC.
The Amakhosi did get maximum points after Ashley Du Preez came off the bench in the second half to fire in the winning strike.
READ | Chiefs bounce back to sink Magesi
It also ended the Soweto giants two-match losing streak and cemented their spot in the top eight as well keep the push for a slot further up the standings well on track.
"It's true we knew that it was going to be a difficult game, Magesi is always difficult against big teams we saw that in the final of Carling against Pirates [Mamelodi Sundowns]. We knew it was going to be a difficult game," Nabi told SuperSport TV.
"And as well even for ourselves, the thought of having lots of changes in the first line-up. We struggled a little bit in the first half to get on the first post to get going.
"But we were better in the second half. In this kind of game, you need just three points to get going."
Chiefs will be back in action over the weekend in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup against Stellenbosch FC.