Orlando Pirates registered a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in Jose Riveiro's final game as head coach on Tuesday evening.
Youngster Simphiwe Selepe made his first start for the Buccaneers, who welcomed back Bandile Shandu, Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa following the loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday.
Mabasa proved decisive inside 15 minutes and pounced on a cutback from Relebohile Mofokeng to fire into the bottom-corner from the centre of the area.
Pirates nearly added to their lead three minutes later where Shandu burst clear from midfield to get a shot in, but the effort deflected off the foot of the post.
The visitors almost levelled moments later when Nduduzo Sibiya dropped a shoulder on the near side of the area and unleashed a curling effort that sailed against the post.
However, the Buccaneers still enjoyed the lion share of chances as Mohau Nkota slammed the side-netting from a tight angle following a cross-field pass, while Deon Hotto passed up a good chance on the stroke of halftime.
Abafana Besthende remained on the ropes and almost conceded again through a first-time effort by Nkota, but goalkeeper Ismail Watenga produced a solid save.
The Soweto giants' advantage was not in any danger though, as they got the second goal on 61 minutes when Watenga spilled Hotto's cross into the path of Shandu to finish from close-range.
Pirates bagged a third goal midway in the second period as a superbly taken free-kick by Dlamini gave Watenga no chance and nestled the back of the net.
With time running out, Substitute Karim Kimvuidi nearly got in on the act through a smart header from a clever angle but Watenga managed to draw a save.
The Buccaneers were comprehensive victors in the end and returned to winning ways, leaving Abafana Besthende in 14th spot, three points above the relegation play-off spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Shandu, Hotto, Makhaula, Selepe, Dlamini, Nkota, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Dansin, Radiopane, Madiba, Maswanganyi, Xoki, Kimvuidi, Thalente, van Rooyen
Golden Arrows: Watenga, Jiyane, Kobedi, Theron , Zwane, Dlamini, S.Cele, Ndwandwe , Sibiya, Mthanti, Maxwele
Subs: Maova, Masuku, Shitolo, Dube, Van Rooi, Mchunu, Malinga, Phillips, Mhlongo
