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SLIDING GAME: Gilbert Mapamba of Swallows and George Lebese of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership match between the two sides at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg . Picture by Gallo Images

Ruffling the Birds' feathers, Amakhosi erased doubts over their ability to challenge for league honours and retained support of their faithful supporters after their midweek 1-1 stuttering against Jomo Cosmos.

Mandla Masango scored a rare brace - a goal in each half - while Lehlohonolo Majoro, grabbed the third to complete a clinical performance for Amakhosi and show off a t-shirt that read: I have Balls!

It wasn't utter dominance by Chiefs, as Swallows had their moments. It was a performance driven by determination to turn around an inconsistent campaign.

A lot of betting had been lost on this Amakhosi side this season, as they have often contrived to lose games they shouldn't have and even dropped points to lowly sides.

But this sort of display not only revives hope and a lacking self-belief, but that would also keep them in the leading pack.

Chiefs got first into the lead through Masango's fortuitous goal in the 25th minute. It was a bit comical as the ball hit the upright before rolling into the hands of Greg Etafia, who then spilt it.

Though Chiefs pinned Swallows into their own half, Joseph Makhanya had a shot ricochet against the crossbar, as the visitors fought their way back into game.

Amakhosi got a good break when Bernard Parker broke away on the left before delivering a cross for Majoro to score the third.

Stretching the lead, Majoro was alert enough to finish superbly after Etafia tipped the ball onto his path in the 40th minute. Masango added the third, his brace after profiting from a sloppy defence to ram in on the hour mark.

The home side was at its imperious best, pulling Birds' defence asunder as they ran them ragged.

It could have been four, had George Lebese not hit the crossbar with a scorching shot midway through the second half.

This victory was achieved without regulars Tenashe Nengomashe, Thomas Sweswe, Jimmy Tau and Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Other PSL results:

Free State Stars 2, Amazulu 1; Supersport United 2, Golden Arrows 1; Santos 3, Bidvest Wits 1.

FA Cup 5th Round Results

Arsenal 0, Sunderland 2; Chelsea 1, Birmingham 1; Everton 2, Blackpool ; Bolton 2, Millwall 0; Norwhich City 1, Leicester City 2.