TS Galaxy continued their resurgence under new head coach Adnan Beganovic after cruising to a 3-1 win over Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.
First-half goals from Dzenan Zajmovic and Victor Letsoalo put the Rockets in the driving seat and Sphiwe Mahlangu sealed the victory on 66 minutes after Sedwyn George had pulled one back for John Maduka's side on 52 minutes.
Thwihli Thwahla were looking to halt a four-match winless run which had left them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone in 14th place, while Galaxy set their sights on maintaining their unbeaten start to life under Beganovic.
The KZN outfit had won the corresponding fixture 1-0 last season, with the club from Mpumalanga getting their revenge after running out 3-0 victors in Mbombela.
Beganovic's side got off to a flying start in Pietermaritzburg when Kamogelo Sebelebele set up Zajmovic to open the scoring after just eight minutes.
The visitors would end up just shading the possession in the first half (52 per cent), but they didn't trouble Royal AM goalkeeper Zakahle Ngcobo before striking again just before halftime.
Zajmovic turned provider on this occasion as he found Letsoalo, who tucked the ball into the back of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time to register his second goal of the season.
However, they let the hosts back into the game shortly after the restart by conceding a penalty, and halftime substitute George made no mistake from 12 yards out to open his account for the campaign.
Galaxy would restore their two-goal cushion just 14 minutes later though, with Mahlangu converting a penalty of his own to get off the mark in his 10th start.
The Rockets went on to secure their third win in five matches to climb up to ninth position, one point outside the top eight.
Royal AM (0) 1 (George 52' PEN)
TS Galaxy (2) 3 (Zajmovic 8', Letsoalo 45+4', Mahlangu 66' PEN)
Royal AM: Z. Ngcobo, K. Shezi (S. Mbhele 75'), S. Zulu, A. Jiyane (M. Sikakane 29'), T. Matlaba, K. Mahlasela (P. Sithebe 75'), A. Mpisane (S. Sithole 46'), S. Magaqa, A. Maxwele, M. Sera (S. George 46'), L. Mashiane.
TS Galaxy: I. Tape, M. Munyai, K. Ndamane, S. Kabini (L. Seema 71'), K. Letsoenyo, M. Mbunjana, T. Khiba (M. Mvelase 58'), K. Sebelebele (L. Mbatha 81'), D. Zajmovic (T. Masiya 81'), S. Mahlangu (N. Mgaga 81'), V. Letsoalo.
