After a quiet start to the match, it was Ajax who livened up the game with the opening goal, which came via the boot of Brett Evans in the 28th minute.

The Bafana left-back struck from 35-yards out, using the angle of the kick to outwit Royals keeper Lance Niewenhuis, who allowed the ball to bounce before going into the net.

Brian Kgafane came close for the KZN side when his well struck shot hit the side-netting, but Ajax were soon on attack again and added a second in the 36th minute when Nathan Paulse (pictured) scored from a tight angle on the right.

The lanky Ajax striker netted his second goal just before the half time break when he rose highest in the box to head home Evans' wicked curling corner from close range.

Paulse was in the thick of the action just after the half-time break, finding himself one-on-one with Niewenhuis, but unable to keep his shot from an acute angle on target.

In the 48th minute a great cross on the run by Paulse set up Russell Mwafulirwa, but his volley was well saved by Niewenhuis.

An excellent move by the home side saw Bryce Moon whipping in an inviting cross for Paulse, but the big man was unable to direct his header past Niewenhuis.

With 20 minutes to go Mwafulirwa did well reach Selowane's cross, but his diving header took a couple of deflections before being claimed by the Thanda shot stopper.

There should however have been a fourth goal for the hosts as Sifiso Vilakazi missed sitter, failing to hit the back of the net after rounding 'keeper Niewenhuis.

Ajax Cape Town: Vonk, Moon, Ferreira, Bageta, Evans, Enoh (Shabalala 81) Siwahla, Shumana, Mwafulirwa (Cale 75), Paulse (Vilakazi 61), Selolwane.

Thanda Royal Zulu: Niewenhuis, Muhammed, Nyatama, Mashishi, Mayo, Kgafane, Mazibuko, Mbhele (Loke 77), Parker (Mahlangu 63) Botha, Djiehoua (Ngobese 70).

Match report by Anthony McLennan/Backpagepix