Marumo Gallants booked their spot in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after defeating third-tier side Santos 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Gallants made three changes to the side that held Mamelodi Sundowns in their last outing, as goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Celimpilo Ngema and Junior Dion were all recalled.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were putting Santos under pressure in the opening exchanges and Dion eventually gave them the lead in the 19th minute with a low finish from close range after a cut-back by Mpho Mvelase.
The People's Team were struggling to get out of their own half, as Gallants opened them with ease but it took just before the half-time break for the hosts to have a shot on target, as Dion forced a save out of goalkeeper Stanton Wier with a strike from the edge of the box.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo came close to making it 2-0 for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa just after that with a cracking strike in the box that was wonderfully parried into the post and wide by Wier, who also denied Ngema from point-blank range in first-half stoppages.
Dan Malesela's charges had a big chance to double their lead just after the half-time break after Katlego Otladisa went through on goal from Ndlondlo's defence-splitting pass but his shot was saved by Wier, from point-blank range in a one-on-one.
Gallants pinned back Santos in their own half and Dion eventually gave them a two-goal cushion and got his brace in the 65th minute with a first-time strike at the near post after a cut-back by Otladisa.
The People's Team had their first shot on target three minutes later, as Ray-Marco Wikdskut's shot after cutting in the box was smothered by Arubi.
Malesela made a double change 12 minutes before time as Lamola replaced Otladisa and Mahlatse Makhudubela came on for Joseph Malongoane, both for fresh legs.
Santos were getting out of their defensive shell in the dying minutes, showing spark going forward as Riyaaz Nell came close to pulling a goal back with a free header at the back post that missed just wide but Gallants had already done enough to book their spot in the last 16.
Confirmed line-ups:
Gallants: Arubi, Mabotja, Nkili, Mvelase, Nonyane, Ndlondlo, Ngema, Timm, Otladisa, Malongoane, Dion
Subs: Ndlovu, Monde, Kumalo, Lamola, Makhudubela, Ravhuhali, Mnyamne, Kgoetyane, Gumede
Santos: Weir, Africa, Finck, Trouncelle, Malagas, Esau, Allie, Davids, Fish, Wildskut, Nell
Subs: Soeker, April, Mrawu, Poole, Tyimi, Charles, Craak, Bezuidenhout, Petersen.