Steve Komphela made a winning start to his tenure as Bloemfontein Celtic coach as the cash-strapped side defeated Chippa United 2-0 in their opening Absa Premiership clash at the Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday.
A first-half strike from debutant Tebogo Potsane and a penalty in the second period by Tshegofatso Mabaso sealed the three points for Celtic, whose build-up to the season has been hampered by the players going on strike over unpaid salaries and signing-on fees.
However, they put in a commanding performance in Komphela's first game in charge after a disappointing three seasons with Kaizer Chiefs and were worthy winners against a Chippa side that have lofty ambitions this season.
Potsane netted the first when he picked up a loose ball and ran between two static centre-backs to beat Nigeria international goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The 23-year-old recently made the switch from Celtic's provincial rivals Free State Stars, where he did not feature at all last season, and made a dream debut for his new employers.
It was 2-0 when Mabasa converted from the spot after he had been fouled by Chippa debutant Thabo Nthethe, a former Celtic stalwart who has spent the last five seasons with Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the other game on Sunday, Lamontville Golden Arrows claimed a surprise 2-0 away victory over Maritzburg United, who dominated the game but were wasteful in front of goal.
Zimbabwe international striker Knox Mutizwa put Golden Arrows ahead in the second half with a superb acrobatic overhead kick that will be a very early contender for Goal of the Season.
Siphelele Ndlovu missed a sitter for Maritzburg in the final 10 minutes, before the visitors doubled their lead as the pacy Lerato Lamola broke free of the Maritzburg defence and did superbly to round Ghana international Richard Ofori in the home goal and score.