Stellenbosch jumped to fifth on the DStv Premiership standings with a 3-0 drubbing of Maritzburg United on Tuesday evening.
Stellies were boosted by the return of Mogamad De Goede who partnered Vusi Sibiya in the heart of defence while Maritzburg recalled Brandon Theron, Bongani Sam and Kimvuidi Karim.
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Steve Barker's charges were on the front foot as Sinethemba Mngomezulu had a chance to give them the lead on 16 minutes after he combined with Junior Mendieta in the box but his strike was smothered by goalkeeper King Ndlovu.
Stellenbosch's pressure eventually paid off nine minutes later after they went ahead courtesy of an own goal by Thabo Moloisane, who diverted a cross into his own net.
The home side continued to boss the possession stakes, as they denied Maritzburg opportunities on counter-attacks and with half-time approaching, they settled for a narrow lead to take to the break.
John Maduka's troops started the second stanza on a high note but they conceded the second goal around the hour-mark from a corner situation after Antonio Van Wyk fired home a strike in the box.
Maduka reacted with a double attacking change as Friday Samu and Amadou Soukouna both came on for Genino Palace and Given Mashikinya.
With Maritzburg high up the pitch in numbers, they were caught on a counter-attack in the last 25 minutes after Mngomezulu killed off the game with a strike in the box following a through ball from Van Wyk.
United had Ndlovu to thank for not conceding the fourth goal 13 minutes before time after he smothered a header by Dean Van Rooyen from close range, following a cross by Mendieta.
Maritzburg were dead and buried in the tail end as Stellies secured their third win of the season that took them up to fifth on the table.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, De Goede, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Jabaar, Sibiya, Mngomezzulu, Mgaga, Mendieta, Van Wyk
Subs: Langeveldt, Boji, Letsoenyo, Adams, Hahn, Makhanya, Moseamedi, Nduli, Titus
Maritzburg United: Ndlovu, Makume, Hlongwa, Mashikinya, Theron, Sam, Human, Moloisane, Kimvuidi, Njoti, Palace
Subs: Derick, Ritchie, Sepeng, Samu, Soukouna, Macheke, Van der Ross, Graham, Masia
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