Mamelodi Sundowns narrowly edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup match which was played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was Jeremy Brockie who fired past a hapless Itumeleng Khune to open the scoring for the 2016 African champions eight minutes into the second half.
George Lebese came off the bench to grab an assist in the latter stages of the game as Themba Zwane, another second half substitute, sealed victory for Sundowns.
Chiefs did score a consolation goal through Bernard Parker deep into stoppage time, but it was too little too late for them as Sundowns won the inaugural tournament.
While this was a pre-season friendly, both teams exerted themselves well in the opening half, with Amakhosi creating a few goalscoring chances compared to Sundowns.
However, Sundowns dominated ball possession from the onset and they went into the dressing room the better of the two sides despite creating clear-cut chances.
Pitso Mosimane fielded what would be deemed as a second string side, but given the quality in his team, they still managed to match Chiefs pound for pound.
With Giovanni Solinas still waiting for his work permit before sitting on the Amakhosi bench, Patrick Mabedi led the technical bench, opting for the tried and tested against the Tshwane giants.
Khama Billiat started the match against his former employers, while Leonardo Castro and Gustavo Paez led the attack as Chiefs looked to hurt Sundowns upfront.
The Brazilians on the hand, afforded Siphelele Mkhulisi the opportunity to showcase his talent, and the 22-year-old didn't disappoint in front of a nearly packed FNB Stadium.
Sundowns threatened early on but they were unable to really test Khune, who came into this match on the back of a clean sheet against Buya Msuthu in last week's Maize Cup tournament.
Billiat got the chance to break the deadlocked minutes before the half-time break, but Mweene produced a fine save to keep the scoreline at 0-0 going into the dressing rooms.
Mabedi made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Philani Zulu for Letlhogonolo Mirwa on the left hand; a like-for-like substitution for the Glamour Boys.
Nonetheless, it was Sundowns who took the first initiative through Brockie, who capitalised on some sloppy defending from Chiefs to fire past Khune.
This was after Anthony Laffor skinned Daniel Cardoso before his shot at goal came off the woodwork with Khune well beaten. Brockie was in the right place at the place to tap the ball home from close range.
Chiefs tried all they could to get back into the game, but they were guilty of missing goalscoring chances, including Erick Mathoho's header from inside the box midway through the second period.
Both coaches started making changes to their sides, but Sundowns had the upper hand, with Themba Zwane coming scoring what would eventually be the winning goal for the Chloorkop-based outfit.
The winger finished with aplomb a Laffor pass to beat Khune hands and extend his side's lead towards the end of the match.
Chiefs managed to pull one back through Parker after Sundowns were caught napping at the back.
A few lessons to be learned for Chiefs who looked a much-improved side, but Sundowns' depth remains unmatched even without Billiat and Percy Tau, who joined Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday.
Chiefs still more quality players to return to the top, while it's just a matter of getting combinations right for Mosimane and his Sundowns' technical team.
