In the GladAfrica Championship, Steenberg United and JDR Stars recorded 2-1 victories over Real Kings and TS Galaxy respectively, while Swallows FC pipped Jomo Cosmos 1-0.

In addition, there were three-point hauls for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Cape Umoya United and Uthongathi FC.

Steenberg grabbed their ninth league win against an in-form Kings in Durban, where Ruzaigh Gamildien and Aqeel Jappie were on target for Michael Lukhubeni’s triumphant side.

A late brace by the Hammer Boys’ Moeketsi Makhanya stunned the Rockets at the Giant Stadium as their long-suffering fans finally had something to cheer about after some very poor results of late.

Earlier, Sanele Barns opened the scoring for Dan Malesela’s team, which again wilted under pressure.

The Birds moved up to fourth spot following another great performance at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Just prior to half time, Given Thibedi netted the winner, which saw Ezenkosi conceding their 23rd goal in 18 games and now require a huge effort going forward in order to avoid the dreaded drop.

Just when Free State Stars thought they’d earned a victory over University of Pretoria in Gauteng, via a beautiful header from their veteran captain, Paulus Masehe, quick action by another veteran, Collins Mbesuma, brought the final score to 1-1.

TTM showed Mbombela United, who was best at a damp Thohoyandou Stadium, with Thembisani Nevhulamba becoming the local hero.

The Spirited Ones put another nail in the coffin of last-placed Royal Eagles thanks to a great 4-1 win in KZN.

Early efforts by Roscoe Pietersen and Carl Lark plus a late goal from Joslin Kamatuka lifted the Cape club five points clear of relegation.

After losing two fixtures on the trot, the Cane Cutters finally returned to winning ways when the reliable Menzi Ndwandwe smashed home the only goal of the game against provincial rivals, Richards Bay FC.