Joey Antipas got off to a flying start in the South African National First Division league with a 2-1 victory over Black Leopards coached by compatriot Jairos Tapera.

Veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe put AmaZulu ahead in the first half before Lungole Dlamini doubled the lead but Roggert Nyundu ensured a tense finish with a goal in the last ten minutes in the match played at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.

Antipas told the club’s website that the win was a big confidence booster to the players going into the season.

“It’s always important to start well because if you win your opening game, the confidence creeps into the players, which is good.  I believe that if we continue in the direction we are going, we could be a team that is difficult to beat,” said Antipas.

“There is a lot of work to do in all areas. because we were pressing well but we dropped and allowed them to come back into the game."

Antipas took over from Steve Barker at AmaZulu in may and has been tasked with taking Usuthu back into the premiership. Black Leopards have also on the other hand roped in former Zimbabwe Under 20 national team coach Tapera to win them the championship