Royal AM bagged their first win of the Betway Premiership season after defeating Sekhukhune United 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Coach John Maduka made three changes to the Royal AM side that lost to Mamelodi Sundowns, as chairman Andile Mpisane was back in the line up while Mfundo Thikazi and Khulekani Shezi were also recalled.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, recalled goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, Linda Mntambo, Ryan Baartman and Lesedi Kapinga following their loss to Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout seven days ago in KwaZulu-Natal.
The home side saw a lot more of the ball in the early stages, with Kabelo Mahlasela squandering a good chance by volleying over the crossbar from inside the box after the opening ten minutes.
Sekhukhune had to wait until the 32nd minute for a clear sight at goal when Kapinga collected the ball in the box before unleashing a curling effort, which was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo.
The hosts did get the opening goal on the stroke of halftime, with Ayanda Jiyane firing home from close range after Sekhukhune failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Royal AM carried that momentum into the second half and bagged a second goal three minutes when Thikazi did well to pull the back for Motebang Sera, who sent first-time finish past Sangare at the near post.
Sekhukhune pushed for a way back into the contest thereafter and were camped in the Royal AM, with Sipho Mbule going close on 74 minutes when his goal-bound header was cleared off the line.
Maduka's charges were able to see out the rest of the game to secure their first league victor
Confirmed line-ups:
Royal AM: Ngcobo, Jiyane, Zulu, Matlaba, Shezi, Mpisane, Magaqa, Mahlasela, Maxwele, Thikazi, Sera
Subs: Mpoto, Sikakane, Sithebe, Msomi, Dlamini, Mbhele, Sithole, Cele, Macuphu
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Baartman, Tshibwabwa, Mogaila, Mkhize, Langa, Kapinga, Mbule, Mntambo, Makgalwa
Subs: Kazapua, Mkhaebla, Ngcobo, Letlapa, Mukhouane, Letsema, Mokoena, Mohammed, Boyeli