Chippa made three changes from their impressive 2-0 win away at Free State Stars as Tebogo Makobela, Phetso Maphanga and Thabo Rakhale were drafted into the side.
After just three minutes, Edward Manqele was denied a the opening goal, with Mbongeni Mzimela producing a superb low save to deny the former Chilli Boys forward in the box.
The momentum was still with Clinton Larsen's troops who threatened the opener once more in the form of a close-range attempt from Rakhale.
Tshakhuma were struggling to contain their top-flight rivals, who posed another threat with a low drive from the left by Tercious Malepe that was thwarted by the TTM shot-stopper.
The Chilli Boys' persistence was finally rewarded when Lentjies combined with Rakhale to head in at the back post on 51 minutes.
Chippa then opted for their first change on 66 minutes, with winger Ruzaigh Gamildien hauled on for Lerato Manzini. Two minutes later, Gladwin Shitolo put his body on the line to stop a goal-ridden shot from Mnqele beating down the net.
At the other end, Rakhale looked for his own goal after assisting the opener but the attempted chip on the on-rushing Ramaele was thwarted.
With time running out, Chippa were forced to play the rest of the half with 10 men after Andile Mbenyane was given his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.
The numerical disadvantage didn’t stop the host from increasing their tally as Mark Mayambela volleyed home from the centre of the box from a Gamildien cross to seal the win.
Chippa: Mzimela, Macheke, Makobela, Shitolo, Manzini, Malepe, Tlolane, Komane, Rakhale, Lentjies, Maphanga.
Subs: Mothwa, Mayambela, Twala, Mbenyane, Keita, Gamildien, Donashano.
TTM: Ramaele, Meso, Nyandombo, Makgoga, Mabotja, Makhubu, Nkoana, Mgaga, Ononogbu, Manele, Nevhulamba.
Subs: Mbanjwa, Mokoena, Bhengu, Mashau, Nhlapo, Kamwendo, Ndlondlo.