Cape Town - The University of Pretoria held their nerve to register what is only their second win of the season, their first since 22 August last year, beating Jomo Cosmos 1-0 in a PSL clash at Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Willem Mwedihanga was the unlikely hero for the Capital side.
Meeting for the first time in South Africa's top flight, the two former National First Division rivals were battling for more than points, but also bragging rights in a week where Tuks club captain Tebogo Monyai and Cosmos assistant Siza Dlamini clashed heads.
Both teams endured a tough first-half to the season and were desperate to open the New Year with a win.
With either keeper forced into an early save, a game that was tipped as a possible bore draw showed promising signs and after 23 minutes the game would have its only goal - Mwedihanga firing past Sherwyn Naicker after the visitors failed to clear their lines.
AmaTuks winger Thabo Mosadi should've doubled the hosts' lead heading into the break, but he missed two glorious opportunities in quick succession.
Jomo Sono fired up his troops at the break with Matsilele Sono leading the charge in the second stanza. The attacker showed a lot of desire but lacked quality in front of goal.
Despite all their attacking intent, Cosmos were unable to find a way past Washington Arubi, as Tuks came out top to move within a point of their relegation rivals.