Kaizer Chiefs put in their best performance of the season to storm into the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout with a 3-0 victory over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
There were also wins for Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, Bloemfontein Celtic and BidVest Wits to go with a Friday success for Platinum Stars as six of the eight teams for the next stage are now known.
Chiefs, who have gone trophyless in their last two seasons, a rarity for them, always looked in control of their tie against Usuthu and were full value for the win.
George Maluleka and Hendrik Ekstein netted with deflected shots, while Siphiwe Tshabalala celebrated his recall to the South African national side this week with a goal as well.
Chiefs might have had many more, but somehow AmaZulu kept them at bay as they launched wave after wave of attacks in what will be an ominous performance for the rest of the teams in the competition.
Pirates booked their spot with a deserved 1-0 win at Lamontville Golden Arrows as Thabo Qalinge netted a fantastic winner. Pirates were the dominant side and could also have won by a greater margin.
Recently crowned MTN8 champions SuperSport United were stunned at Bloemfontein Celtic as they let a late lead slip to lose 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
SuperSport were in complete control of the game with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Aubrey Modiba and Jeremy Brockie, with Celtic offering little going forward.
But after Tshepo Rikhotso had pulled one back from the penalty-spot with 12 minutes remaining, Jacky Motshegwa took the game to extra-time with an equaliser.
Celtic then held their nerve in the shoot-out as Clayton Daniels and Fagrie Lakay missed their spot-kicks.
Wits squeezed past bogey side Free State Stars with a 4-2 extra-time win as Egypt international Amr Gamal netted twice, the first from the penalty-spot.
Defender Bongani Khumalo and striker James Keene also got their name on the scoresheet, while Thabo Maphakisa and Siphelele Mthembu (penalty) were on target for Stars.
Polokwane City edged out Ajax Cape Town after the teams played to a 0-0 draw in Limpopo. City won the shoot-out 4-3 after Rodrick Kabwe and Roscoe Pietersen missed their kicks for Ajax.
On Friday night Platinum Stars also needed penalties to defeat Maritzburg United. The final two first round games will be played on Sunday afternoon when holders Cape Town City travel to Baroka FC and Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Chippa United.