Second half goals from Pule Mmodi and Christian Saile gave Kaizer Chiefs a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium to catapult them up to fifth spot in the DStv Premiership standings.
In the first half, chances were few and far between with the visitors trying to create space for wide men, Tebogo Potsane and Pule Mmodi.
But they found Steve Barker’s well-drilled side a tough nut to crack, as the home team hustled their opponents all over the pitch.
Despite the lack of clear scoring opportunities, the sizeable crowd was treated to entertaining football.
In the 33rd minute Devin Titus had a chance to break the deadlock, but Brandon Petersen pulled off a sharp save to keep the scoreline goalless going into the break.
Amakhosi began the second half more purposefully and, seven minutes in Mmodi embarked on a driving run up field, played a neat one-two with Mduduzi Mdantsane and then struck a ferocious shot from all of 25 yards out that gave Sage Stephens in the Stellies goal no chance as it speared into the net.
Things got worse for the hosts a few minutes later when Titus received his marching orders from referee, Thando Ndzandzeka, for a second bookable offence, following dangerous tackles on Frosler and then Given Msimango.
Given Msimango had recovered sufficiently to go close with a header from a pin-point free kick by substitute Mduduzi Shabalala, as Chiefs began to turn the screws on their tiring opponents.
It was from another perfectly flighted free kick from Shabalala that Amakhosi secured the points in the 89th minute. This time, fellow replacement, Saile ghosted in at the far post to nod the ball home to the delight of the fans behind the goal.