Stellenbosch FC moved up to fifth place on the Betway Premiership table after a 2-1 win over Magesi FC on Tuesday evening.
The Maroons made a few changes from the draw with Richards Bay FC as Sihle Ndluli, Langelihle Phili and Lesiba Nku were recalled, while experienced duo Deolin Mekoa and Given Mashikinya came in for Dikwena.
Remarkably, it was the maiden clash between the two in the elite era as the Maroons looked to make their home ground advantage count.
Stellenbosch made their presence known midway in the first half when Mzwandile Buthelezi directed a floating cross from Fawaaz Basadien into his own net.
Thabang Sibanyoni almost got the immediate response through a half-volley in, but he struck the face of the post and saw the rebound cleared for a corner-kick.
From the corner, the equaliser followed when Mashikinya made space for himself in the box and toe-poked in to grab his first goal for th club.
The host restored ascendancy before halftime as a turnover released Ashley Cupido in on goal and the former Cape Town Spurs man obliged with a composed finish.
Stellies maintained the dominant spell in the second half, leaving the Carling Knockout champions to ponder a way back.
Nku, who settled nicely since joining from Mamelodi Sundowns, could've made it three with a shot in the box following an assist by Devon Titus but he fluffed his lines.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse weren't out of it though but remained hopeful and fired up their attack with the introduction of Rhulani Manzini for Mcedi Vandala.
Sibanyoni came close to levelling it up within the last ten minutes through an overhead kick from the area, but he was thwarted by Sage Stephens.
The Maroons rounded up the closing minutes and registered a creditable victory to go fifth on the league table.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Toure, Basadien, Moloisane, Nduli, Phili, Khiba, Barns, Titus, Nku, Cupido
Subs: Masuluke, Onyango, Mdaka, Enyinnaya, Jabaar, Butsaka, Palace, Lekoloane, Abrahams
Magesi FC: Chipezeze, Abrahams, Makgoga, Buthelezi, Mokone, Darpoh, Mekoa, Vandala, Mtshaii, Mashikinya, Sibanyoni.
Subs: Tshabalala, Matima, Ashby, Komane, Manzini, Malesa, Rademeyer, Makhubela, Kakora