Cape Town City started brightly, but Lehlohonolo Majoro was unable to head home in the first minute. Robyn Johannes failed to take advantage of some curious goalkeeping from Wayne Sandilands.

Thato Mokeke was the third City player to fail in front of goal as Eric Tinkler cut a frustrated figure. Both sides had plenty to do as they headed into the break goalless.

It was Manyama who then turned the match, and arguably the title race on its head, when he scored in the 57th minute, a goal which proved to be the decider.

The hosts held on to move three points clear at the top of the table. The Brazilians, struggling to play catch-up on a congested fixture list, are six points behind, but do have five matches in hand.

In Friday’s other matches, Wits beat Bloem Celtic 3-1 while Chippa United lost 2-1 at Platinum Stars.