Orlando Pirates got the better of Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 win in a top-of-the-table clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Tapelo Xoki, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa were recalled by the Buccaneers following the draw with Stellenbosch FC, while Marcelo Allende was back in the line-up for Masandawana.
Pirates made an electrifying start when Makgopa ran down the right and cutback for the on-rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find the bottom-corner.
Mofokeng was at it again in the space of a minute after peeling off a loose ball from Lucas Suarez's tackle before firing in off the foot of the post.
The table-toppers almost got one back as a glancing header at the near post by Grant Kekana following a corner clattered against the upright at the midway point.
Masandawana remained on the up a little later and saw Lucas Ribeiro's pin-point free-kick on the edge of the area sail across the near post.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made a substitution at halftime and introduced Arthur Sales for Peter Shalulile.
The Buccaneers threatened a third goal a few minutes in the second half from a delivery by Makgopa to Kabelo Dlamini, but he mis-timed the opportunity.
Iqraam Rayners nearly halved the advantage a little later with an acrobatic overhead attempt in the area, but went wide of the mark.
Masandawana indeed reduced the tally midway in the half when Khuliso Mudau beat the offside trap and lashed in a first-time ball from Rayners.
The Buccaneers sat deep thereafter and played on the counter-attack, as Masandawana pushed to get back on level terms.
Pirates continued to weather the storm and claimed the victory to reduce the lead at the top of the table to 15-points.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Xoki, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Makgopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Mbokazi, Nkota, Mako, Shandu, Maela, Mosele, Mabasa, Ndlondlo
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Suarez, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
Subs: Onyango, Khoza, Morena, Lunga, Aubaas, Maema, Letlhaku, Matthews, Sales