Magesi FC claimed a key win in their quest to secure Betway Premiership survival, defeating fellow strugglers Richards Bay 1-0 at the Seshego Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Dikwena tsa Meetse claimed a fifth league win of the season thanks to an early strike from Delano Abrahams, with the result taking them out of the relegation playoff berth and up to 14th place.
They are one point and one position clear of Marumo Gallants, who have dropped into the red zone.
As for the Natal Rich Boyz, this result ends their unbeaten run at six league matches and sees them remain in 12th place on the log – two points above Gallants.
Magesi started very much on the front foot and their early pressure was rewarded with a goal in just the eighth minute as Bafedile Baloyi laid on Delano Abrahams for a close-range finish.
The hosts looked for a second goal to seize full control, with Tshepo Makgoga denied by Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola in the 17th minute and seconds later Kayden Rademeyer sent a shot just wide of the target.
Bay only offered up a threat late in the first half, with Mxolisi Machupu seeing his header saved by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze in the 42nd minute.
And on the cusp of halftime the visitors’ Yanela Mbuthuma struck an effort high and wide following a corner kick delivery from Justice Figuareido, leaving the game 1-0 in favour of Magesi at the interval.
The Natal Rich Boyz continued to search for a way back into the game in the second half, and in the 57th minute Tlakusani Mthethwa drove a long-range shot just wide.
Twenty minutes later the visitors had another chance, with Simphiwe Mcineka shooting on target after more good set-up play from Figuareido, but Chipezeze made a fine save to keep his side in the ascendancy.
Ultimately, Dikwena tsa Meetse were able to hold out against late pressure from the visitors and secure a crucial three points.
The teams will return to Premiership action this weekend, with Magesi at home to Golden Arrows on Saturday, 15 March, and Bay at home to Kaizer Chiefs the following day.
Magesi FC (1) 1 (Abrahams 8’)
Richards Bay 0
Magesi: Chipezeze, Abrahams, Makgoga, Buthelezi, L. Mokone, J. Mokone, Matima, Masegela (Makhubela 83’), Rademeyer (Komane 74’), Baloyi (Sibanyoni 65’), Vandala (Kakora 83’)
Bay: Magoola, Gcaba, Allan, Mcineka, Ndaba, Mthembu, Mthethwa, Mhlongo (Ntsundwana 63’), Figuareido, Machupu (Kutumela 76’), Mbuthuma