Newly-promoted Richards Bay secured a 2-0 win over neighbours Golden Arrows in their first-ever DStv Premiership encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Arrows gave new signing Ryan Moon his official debut while the Natal Rich Boyz gave starts to newcomers goalkeeper Jamal Magoola, Abel Mabaso, Sanele Barns, Sibusiso Mthethwa and Michael Gumede against his former side.
The hosts were on the front foot in the opening exchanges and had a chance to go ahead in the ninth minute after Velemseni Ndwandwe was setup by Moon with a cut-back in the box but he struck his shot over the crossbar.
Richards Bay had a better resistance as the game progressed but they were fortunate not to go a goal down just before the half-hour mark after Pule Mmodi connected well with a cross by Nduduzo Mhlongo but his header came off the upright.
The Natal Rich Boyz were a threat on counter-attacks and pounced just a minute later after Somila Ntsundwana fired home a strike on the far side of the box from a through ball by Mabaso.
Arrows had a good ball retention as they searched for the equaliser and Ndwandwe had a chance on the stroke of half-time after finding space on the edge of the box but he fired his shot over the top.
Vusimuzi Vilakazi and Mabhuti Khenyeza's charges continued to ask questions of Richards Bay coming from the half-time break as Nduduzo Sibiya forced a save out of Magoola.
As Arrows applied the pressure, Moon had a chance in the box after a cross by Pule Mmodi but he guided his effort over the crossbar.
Abafana Bes'thende made a double change on 73 minutes, as Knox Mutizwa replaced Moon upfront and Nqobeko Dlamini came on for Lungelo Dube in midfield, both for fresh legs.
However, the Natal Rich Boyz doubled their lead just after from a set-piece after Mabaso guided home a cross by Barns.
Yamela Mbuthuma almost made it 3-0 for the visitors in stoppage time with a strike that was kept out by goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede, as the Natal Rich Boyz recorded a perfect start to their campaign.
Confirmed line-ups:
Golden Arrows: Gumede, Nxadi, Zuke, Mantshiyane, Mhlongo, Dube, Khumalo, Ndwandwe, Sibiya, Mmodi, Moon
Subs: Mbatha, Ndlovu, Cele, Dlamini, Magawana, Fikizolo, Knosi, Mutizwa, Gumbi
Richards Bay: Magoola, Maphethe, Mabua, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Mathebula, Barns, Mabaso, Gumede, Mthembu, Ntsundwana
Subs: Jacobs, Dlamini, Ncanana, Zungu, Mhlongo, Mdabuka, Meveni, Msani, Mbuthuma