Steve Komphela enjoyed a winning start at Golden Arrows, who secured a 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the DStv Premiership on Sunday evening.
Polokwane made two changes from their narrow loss against Orlando Pirates, as former Buccaneer striker Ndumiso Mabena and Manuel Kambala were recalled.
Komphela also made two alterations following their narrow defeat against Kaizer Chiefs, as Nduduzo Mhlongo and Wisdom Libamba were brought back.
Libamba almost made an instant impact with a great chance within a minute from the start but was denied by goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga.
The game opened up from end to end and Arrows shot-stopper Sifiso Mlungwana was also called into action but thwarted City's efforts.
The game did not lose it's spark after the water break midway through the first stanza as on the half-hour mark as Douglas Mapfumo pounced on a mistake at the back by Arrows but his shot flashed across the face of goal.
However, the momentum of the game slowed down towards the end of the first stanza and the sides went to the break goalless.
Rise and Shine started the second stanza on a high note as Oswin Appollis threatened with a free-kick towards the back post that made Mlungwana stretch himself to clear danger.
City continued to threaten from set-pieces and on 67 minutes Appollis delivered another dangerous ball that required Mlungwana to be at his best to keep the score deadlocked.
Both sides needed fresh legs in attack in the closing stages, as Lungelo Nguse replaced Mutizwa for Arrows and Nyakala Raphadu replaced Mabena for City.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock five minutes before time after Nduduzo Sibiya fired home a shot at the back post against the run of play.
City were desperate for the equaliser in the dying minutes but could not create chances rushing and Arrows held on to a win that ended their 11-game losing streak in all competitions.
The win took Abafana Bes'thende up to eighth on the log.
Confirmed line-ups:
Polokwane City: Sapunga, Matuludi, Ndlovu, Nikani, Nkaki, Kambala, Ramabu, Mashikinya, Mapfumo, Mabena, Appollis
Subs: Mokwena, Thuto, Nkwe, Maphangule, Baloyi, van Heerden, Raphadu, Tshabalala, Goovadia
Golden Arrows: Mlungwana, Cele , Mwengani, Shitolo, Mhlongo, Mthanti, Mutizwa, Van Rooi, Dlamini, Zwane, Libamba
Subs: Kayode, Cross, Dube , Tlolane, Ncube, Nguse , Hlatshwayo, Lukhele, Sibiya
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