AmaZulu registered their first win of the season in the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Chippa United on Tuesday evening.
After an inspired entry off the bench in the loss to Orlando Pirates, the host gave starts to Hendrick Ekstein and Rowan Human.
The home team experienced a bright start with promising chances through Ben Motshwari from outside the box following Tshepang Moremi's pass, but he missed target.
Further opportunities came towards the 20th minute spell where Etiosa Ighodaro delivered to the centre of the area for Moremi, but the latter disappointingly snapped the opening.
Usuthu's early promise reaped rewards six minutes later as Ekstein picked up a cross from Moremi and dispatched from close proximity – making it two goals in two games.
Not all was lost for the Chilli Boys who could've levelled on the half-hour mark after a rising header from Thabo Makhele following Malebogo Modise's corner sailed way off the mark.
AmaZulu extended the lead ten minutes to halftime with a thumping finish into the bottom-corner by Celimpilo Ngema after meeting Human's though pass.
The visitors looked for an upturn in the second period and introduced Athenkosi Dlala in the place of Jali, with Craig Martin and Gadiel Michael introduced too.
Martin looked to make an instant impact minutes after coming in with a teasing shot around the six-yard area, but he fluffed his lines.
Chippa almost reduced the tally in the closing exchanges through a header from Michael's cross, but he rattled the upright with Richard Ofori beaten.
Usuthu were down to ten players just before the conclusion of play after Abbubaker Mobara received a straight red card for a coming-together.
The Chilli Boys continued looking for a way back, but Usuthu hold on despite the ten personnel and collected their first win of the season.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Ofori, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Fielies, Mobara, Motshwari, Ngema, Ekstein, Ighodaro, Moremi, Human
Subs: Mothwa, Ngobeni, Gumede, Mphahlele, Jooste, Mbanjwa, Brooks, Haba, Dion
Chippa United: Nwabali, Chabalala, Kammies, Makhele, Modise, Baloni, Konqobe, Jali, Teto, Kambindu, Eva Nga
Subs: Johnson, Kamagi, Martin, Dlala, Giovanni Mqokozo, Ntsabo, Matrose, Ndlovu