Royal AM registered their first Betway Premiership win of the campaign when they defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday afternoon.
The win elevated Thwihli Thwahla to the fourth spot in the league standings and they will be looking to make it two victories in a row when they take on Polokwane City at home on 30 October.
Babina Noko, on the other hand, recorded their first league defeat of the season and they are now placed fifth in the standings.
Sekhukhune will be keen to return to winning ways when they host Richards Bay on 29 October.
The two teams pushed for an early goal in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter in Pietermaritzburg, but Thwhili Thwahla and Babina Noko both struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in first-half stoppage time when Ayanda Jiyane scored after Mfundo Thikazi's low shot was pushed into his path by goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.
Thwihli Thwahla started the second half brightly and they doubled their lead in the 49th minute when Sera Motebang hit the back of the net to make it 2-0 to Royal with Ayabulela Maxwele providing the assist.
Babina Noko introduced Relebogile Mokhuoane with nine minutes left on the clock as the visitors looked to at least score two late goals.
However, Royal stood firm at the back in the dying minutes and they emerged as 2-0 winners.
Royal 2 (Jiyane 45'+1, Motebang 49')
Sekhukhune 0
Royal: Ngcobo (Mpoto 72'), Jiyane, Zulu, Shezi, Matlaba, Magaqa, Mahlasela (Msomi 86'), Mpisane (Sithebe 46'), Maxwele (Mbhele 86'), Thikazi (Sithole 87'), Sera.
Sekhukhune: Sangare, Mogaila, Yamba, Baartman, Langa, Mkhize, Mbule, Mntambo (Letsema 60'), Vandala (Boyeli 46'), Kapinga (Mokoane 72'), Makgalwa (Mokhuaone 81')