Kaizer Chiefs' inconsistency this season continued after they were beaten 1-0 by Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership clash played behind closed doors at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Chiefs were being punished for fan misbehaviour at the same venue in April, and there would have been little for any paying customers to enthuse over in a limp performance just days after their Italian tactician Giovanni Solinas was named Coach of the Month for September.
The only goal of the game came in first half injury-time as Vusimusi Mngomezulu curled a brilliant long-range shot out of the grasp of Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
It was a deserved victory for City, who move into the top five having enjoyed a new lease on life under Serbian coach Jozef Vukusic.
Mngomezulu had earlier missed a one-on-one chance, while Chiefs failed to create anything of substance in another off-night for Zimbabwean Khama Billiat.
Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw in Durban as AmaZulu came from behind to snatch a deserved point.
With Siyabonga Mpontshane injured in the warm-up, there was a rare start in the Pirates goal for Jackson Mabokgwane.
Pirates were ahead on 14 minutes after some neat interplay saw Zambian forward Augustine Mulenga smash the ball into the net having been set up by Thembinkosi Lorch.
Argentine forward Emiliano Tade had already given Pirates a warning of his prowess in the first half, and he equalised just after the break following good work from Jabulani Ncubeni on the wing.
Bongi Ntukli was denied a goal for Usuthu after a fine stop from close range by Mabokgwane, while Tade also tested the keeper with a fine free-kick.
Pirates might have won it when Justin Shonga rattled the post, but it was another night of disappointment for The Buccaneers' faithful.
Promoted Highlands Park continued their good start to the season with a 2-1 home success over Chippa United.
Mothobi Mvala and Lindokuhle Mbatha got the goals for the home side, who move up to seventh with the win. Tebogo Tlolane grabbed a consolation for Chippa.
Free State Stars bounced back to winning ways thanks to a 2-0 home success against Bloemfontein Celtic to take provincial bragging rights.
Congolese forward Harris Tchilimbou and Sinethemba Jantjie grabbed goals in either half for Ea Lla Koto.