Kaizer Chiefs drew first blood in the DStv Diski Challenge Soweto derby after holding off a spirited Orlando Pirates fightback to claim a 3-2 victory at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
The young Amakhosi looked sharp from the outset and made their dominance count on the half-hour mark through Neo Bohloko. The striker spotted the goalkeeper off his line after a loose Pirates clearance and produced an audacious lob from distance to hand Chiefs the lead.
Bohloko was not done there. The forward capitalised on another defensive lapse from the Buccaneers to complete his brace before Samkelo Msimango arrived at the back post to turn home Kabelo Nkgwesa's inviting cutback, sending Chiefs into the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Pirates showed far more urgency after halftime and pulled one back through Siyabonga Ngwenya, who reacted quickest inside the box after Chiefs failed to deal with a corner.
The Buccaneers continued to push forward and set up a tense finish when Lwandile Nzimande converted from the penalty spot after Ngwenya was brought down in the area.
Chiefs were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Emile Dortley picked up a second booking, but the damage had already been done as the Glamour Boys held firm to bag all three points and local bragging rights.
RICHARDS BAY SINK NEWCOMERS MILFORD
Richards Bay made the perfect start to their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over newcomers Milford FC in a KwaZulu-Natal showdown at Princess Magogo Stadium.
The Natal Rich Boyz needed just five minutes to get off the mark as Luyanda Mthembu expertly guided Thobani Gumede's delivery beyond the goalkeeper.
Milford battled to create clear-cut openings and found themselves further behind in the second half when Ayabonga Madida produced a moment of quality, weaving his way through before applying the finishing touch to seal the points.
The result ensured Richards Bay claimed early provincial bragging rights while handing Milford a harsh lesson in their first outing in the competition.
GALAXY GRIND OUT OPENING WIN
TS Galaxy got their season underway with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
Both sides entered the clash eager to turn over a new leaf following inconsistent campaigns last season, but it was the Rockets who found the decisive breakthrough.
Siyabonga Nguessan struck in the first half to give Galaxy the advantage and they showed resilience thereafter, shutting the door on Rise and Shine's attempts to find an equaliser.
The narrow victory gives Galaxy a positive platform to build on as they look to challenge higher up the table this season.