Lamontville Golden Arrows got their Absa Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont on Sunday.

Michael Gumede's goal in the opening minute of the second-half proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Maritzburg failed to build on the momentum that helped them narrowly avoid relegation last season.

Following a cagey start to proceedings, the game sparked to life - as is often the case - straight after the interval as Gumede fired the hosts in front.

The forward raced into a through ball before lobbing the onrushing Richard Ofori in the 46th minute of the clash.

Maritzburg pushed forward in search of the equaliser and came close in the 72nd minute as Deolin Mekoa hit the post with a rasping left-footed volley before Gabriel Nyoni saw his attempt cleared off the line.

The Team of Choice continued to look the more threatening of the two teams in the closing stages, but Abafana Bes’thende held on to claim a third successive win against their provincial rivals.

Golden Arrows (0) 1 (Gumede 46')

Golden Arrows: Sibanda; Lunga, Mathiane, Bilankulu, S.Dube, Mtshali (Phiri 80'), Venter, Shitolo, Makhubela, Sabelo (Mutizwa 61'), Gumede (Lamola 76').

Maritzburg United: Ofori; Xulu, Allie, Ntshangase (Mekoa 73'), De Reuck (Hlongwane 60'), Kunene, Timm, Claasen, Moseamedi, Nyoni (Buchanan 83'), Shandu.