Former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa netted a hat-trick as AmaZulu thrashed Mighty Eagles 5-1 in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup on Tuesday evening.
Goalkeeper Richard Ofori returned between the sticks ahead of Veli Mothwa, while Mthethwa was given a first start by Usuthu who into the clash on the back of a 5-0 drubbing by Stellenbosch FC.
Mthethwa enjoyed a dream start when he connected with Ramahlwe Mphahlele to head in right in front of the opposing goal.
The floodgates remained opened ten minutes later as the returning Mlondi Mbanjwa tracked a few yards in-between the box to finish into the near post.
Etiosa Ighodaro wasn't to be left out of proceedings and stepped ahead to meet Mbanjwa's delivery to net the team's third goal of the evening.
The comfortable cushion didn't stop the host going to the bench and making a trio of changes in the second half, with Abbubaker Mobara, Andiswa Sithole and Hendrick Ekstein introduced.
Usuthu's advantage was reduced though during the midway exchanges of the second half as the lower tier boys got a glimmer of hope.
That didn't result to a comeback of any sort after the home team regained their three-goal cushion through another telling effort from Mthethwa.
Mthethwa's solid evening in front of goal continued when he stepped up to the penalty spot to find their fifth goal after a coming-together took place in the six-yard box, completing his hat-trick in the process.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Ofori, Gumede, Ngobeni, Mthethwa, Mphahlele, Zungu, Brooks, Moremi, Mbanjwa, Ighodaro, Human
Subs: Mothwa, Mngonyama, Fielies, Hanamub, Mobara, Motshwari, Ekstein, Ngubane, Sithole