Golden Arrows bagged their first win of the Betway Premiership season after defeating Richards Bay FC 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Abafana Besthende coach Manqoba Mngqithi handed starts to Nqobeko Dlamini, Sbonelo Cele and Sede Dion following the opening day loss to Siwelele FC over the weekend.
The Natal Rich Boyz, meanwhile, made two changes from the loss to Marumo Gallants as Gabadinho Mhango and Siyabonga Nzama made way for Lundi Mahala and Lindokuhle Sphuzo Zikhali as they went in search of their first win.
Arrows were eager to impress early on after their disappointing showing against Siwelele, as Philani Khumalo saw a lot of the ball down the flanks while Richards Bay were reduced to efforts from distance.
The home side did go close to getting the breakthrough ten minutes before the halftime break from a corner situation but Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola was keep out a headed effort.
Both sides opted to refresh their stall ten minutes after the break as Richards Bay introduced Halalisani Vilakazi for Sbangani Zulu, while Arrows brought on Ayabulela Maxwele and Jerome Karlese to bolster the attack.
The deadlock was eventually broken with eight minutes left on the clock when Dion bagged his first goal for Arrows with a wonderful first-time volley from the edge of the box.
As a result, Arrows pick up their first three-point haul while the Natal Rich Boyz start the season with back-to-back defeats.
Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Golden Arrows: Maova, Jiyane, Phillips , Shitolo , S.Cele, Zwane, Komara, Dion , Dlamini, Ndlovu, P.Khumalo
Richards Bay: Magoola, Zulu, Mntungwa, Mabua, Mcineka, Mthethwa, Gumede, Mthembu, Mahala, Zikhali, Thikazi