Marumo Gallants ended a three-game losing run to defeat AmaZulu 1-0 for their first win of the Betway Premierships season.
Usuthu were eager to get their campaign up and running and continued with Olwethu Mzimela in goal, whilst Marumo gave former Jwaneng Galaxy player Daniel Msendami a rare start.
The latter made complete use of the opportunity given by Dan Malesela and broke the deadlock on three minutes – catching Usuthu unaware at the back.
Forward Etiosa Ighodaro, who were on target in the midweek loss to Kaizer Chiefs, attempted a second goal in as many matches through a header but went off target from Riaan Hanamub's cross.
Marumo looked to double the lead before the half-hour mark with the returning Josep Molangoane coming close from Christopher Sekela's pass, but he slammed wide.
There were more chances for the home side during the latter stages of the half with Monde Mphambaniso firing inches off target from a promising position.
A substitution from Usuthu ahead of the second period saw Mondli Mbanjwa make way for Boniface Hlaba to take the fold, with no introduction from Malesela.
Usuthu pushed urgently for the leveller minutes in the resumption with a free-kick from Hanamub shaving the top of the post.
A while later, the visiting team squandered yet another chance through a first-time strike by Tshepang Moremi from a pass by Ethan Brooks, but hit the upright.
Msendami proved a menace and in the latter stages threatened to find a brace with a promising opportunity around the area, but he slammed beyond target.
Usuthu continued to battle for a response in the hope of salvaging a point, but weren't able to get in and left Marumo to record their first win of the season.
Confirmed line-ups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Sikhosane, Mabotja, Rikhotso, Molangoane, Manaka, Dhludhlu, Mphambaniso, Shai, Sithole, Msendami
Subs: Mlambo, Mathiane, Chabatsane, Nange, Mokobodi, Nhlapo, Mahlatsi, Khumalo, X.Mlambo
AmaZulu: Mzimela, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Mobara, Fielies, Motshwari, Ngema, Brooks, Moremi, Ighodaro, Mbanjwa
Subs: Mothwa, Mphahlele, Jooste, Mngonyama, Sithole, Ekstein, Human, Haba, Dion