AmaZulu secured a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United to get back onto the winning trail in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday night.
Ben Motshwari was back in the line-up for the hosts, while the seasoned defender Pamahlwe Mphahlele also got the nod under the guidance of Usuthu head coach Pablo Franco Martin.
On the opposing side, Sekhukhune saw the return of Daniel Cardoso and Tashreeq Morris following a goalless draw with SM Mabako in the CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend.
Entering the clash with two consecutive league victories, the visitors faced a KwaZulu-Natal outfit that had suffered back-to-back losses, including a 0-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns the previous weekend.
Despite the teams being closely matched, Usuthu broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, courtesy of Junior Dion’s close-range finish, marking his fourth league goal of the campaign.
With Sekhukhune unable to mount a comeback in the first half, coach Lehlohonolo Seema opted for three changes at the beginning of the second stanza, introducing Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tharnsanqa Masiya, and Lebohang Mabotja.
The visitors pressed for an equaliser in the second half, and Chibuike Ohizu came close after the hour mark, only to have his goal-bound strike blocked in the box.
In the final 15 minutes of the encounter, coach Martin sought to refresh his side by introducing Mlondi Mbanjwa and Victor Letsoalo, effectively securing the win and maintaining control in the closing stages of the match.