Kaizer Chiefs bounced back in the DStv Premiership after a late 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows in the Soweto derby on Sunday afternoon.
In the absence of Itumeleng Khune, the Amakhosi handed Bruce Bvuma a maiden start of the season, but they were without Keagan Dolly and Ashley Du Preez amongst others through injury.
With the Soweto outfits in contrasting form so far this season, the Dube Birds looked to take the early lead and came close when Gabadinho Mhango's free-kick crashed off the post and rolled out of the play.
Chiefs launched a quick response on ten minutes and saw Nkosingiphile Ngcobo intercept a stray pass to get a shot away, but he failed to unsettle his former teammate Daniel Akpeyi.
The Amakhosi continued to go on the front foot after the midway point, with chances for Ranga Chivaviro and Yusuf Maart going wide within quick succession.
Bvuma, though, was kept in check by the host and was called into action to deny Lindokuhle Mtshali finding the back of the net from a clever angle.
Chiefs looked to take the lead with an ambitions lob from way out by Sibongiseni Mthethwa after stealing possession high-up, but he went well wide.
The Dube Birds were under more pressure in the second half and required a smart stop from Akpeyi to keep out a penetrating effort from Pule Mmodi.
Interim Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson made the first substitution after the 65th minute and removed Chivaviro for Jasond Gonzalez.
Swallows were pinned back in the own half minutes later and needed a goal-line clearance to smother Mmodi's rasping shot from close-range.
The Amakhosi did go ahead ten minutes from time after Maart retrieved a loose pass high up and played in an unmarked Christian Saile Basomboli, who took one touch before slotting past Akpeyi.
Chiefs were in search of a second in the final exchanges inside full-time, but had done just about enough to get the win and maximum points.
Confirmed line-ups:
Moroka Swallows: Moroka Swallows: Akpeyi, Phillips, Allan, Sibiya, Sam, Phalane, Jali, Makhubela, Mhango, Mtshali, Mabasa
Subs: Mbanjwa, Sibiya, Japonya, Tshanini, Khumalo, Malinga, Zuma, Van Rhyn, Rampa
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Hlanti, Dove, Msimango, Frosler, Maart , Mthethwa, Nk. Ngcobo, Mmodi, Saile, Chivaviro
Subs: Petersen, Kwinika, Castillo, Nj, Ngcobo, Zwane, Gonzalez, Shabalala, Mashiane, Radebe
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