Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the Absa Premiership table and Kaizer Chiefs kept up their recent run of wins as South Africa's Soweto giants flexed their muscles in domestic action on Saturday.
Pirates defeated Baroka FC 2-1, while Chiefs claimed a more comfortable 2-0 success at home to AmaZulu as they made it three wins from three in matches over the past eight days.
Pirates raced into a two-goal lead in Polokwane, but just like in their midweek draw with Cape Town City, then took their foot off the peddle to allow their opposition back into the game and set up a nervy finish.
Vincent Pule continued his excellent start to the season with the opener for The Buccaneers, hammering home from outside the box just past the half-hour mark.
Pule then turned provider as he provided the assist for Thembinkosi Lorch to put Pirates into the driving seat.
Baroka had been a threat all game and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back as Onkabetsi Makgantai had a simple tap-in.
There would have been a sense of déjà vu for Pirates after they let a two-goal; lead slip against City, but this time they were able to hold on for the win.
Pirates are a point clear of Bidvest Wits, Bloemfontein Celtic and Chiefs, though they have played a game more than Wits and three more than Celtic, which does give the table a skewed view.
Chiefs always looked in control against AmaZulu, with Parker twice missing good first half opportunities and defender Daniel Cardoso also coming close.
They did go into the break ahead though as Rama Mphahlele converted from Lebo Manyama's cross to set them on their way.
It was 2-0 when a disputed free-kick saw Khama Billiat send in a superb set-piece that was headed home by Siyabonga Ngezana for his second goal in three games.
Lamontville Golden Arrows and Chippa United played out a 0-0 draw at a sodden. Princes Magogo Stadium.
In a game of few chances, the best fell for Danny Venter for the home side and Andile Mbenyane for the visitors, but neither were able to covert.
Free State Stars collected just a second victory of the season with a 1-0 success over Highlands Park in another game played in torrential rain in Bethlehem.
It is a first defeat of the season for the newly-promoted Highlands, and was probably as fair result on the balance of play.
The pivotal moment came on 58 minutes as Yusuf Jappie's free-kick into the box was headed into the six-yard box by Eleazar Rodgers and defender Thabiso Tema was on hand to smash the ball home.
Stars had Nyiko Mobbie red carded with 15 minutes to play, but managed to hold on for the win.