Cape Town City ended a three-match winless run to move into fifth position on the DStv Premiership standings with a 2-0 victory over Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday as Surprise Ralani grabbed a brace.
Taariq Fielies returned to bolster the defence, Justin Shonga made his debut up front, Craig Martin replaced Thamsanqa Mkhize at right-back and Thabo Nodada captained the side in Mkhize's absence.
Justin Shonga, who was making his City debut, had the first decent attempt of the match when he got clear of his marker and unleashed his first shot as a Citizen. It was low and powerful but whistled just wide of the post.
The visitors were playing silky football despite the wet conditions and on the half-hour mark Ralani blasted the ball into the top corner after being set up by Fagrie Lakay to give Jan Olde Riekerink's side the lead.
In the 53rd minute, Fielies put in a fantastic diving header to clear the ball off the line and keep City in the lead.
Ralani bagged his brace in the 84th minute. Mpho Makola played him through on goal and he rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net.
In the end, City were rarely troubled by Leopards and leapfrog Orlando Pirates into fifth as they returned to winning ways.
- TEAMtalk media