A point at Mamelodi Sundowns for Cape Town City was more than enough to boost coach Benni McCarthy’s belief that his squad is capable of challenging for the title.
But coming from behind to snatch a share of the spoils from the men they are looking to dethrone wasn’t the only point proven on Tuesday night in Atteridgeville.
Matching Downs stride for stride and chance for chance was even more encouraging.
On the balance of play, City were easily equals of Pitso Mosimane’s collective who are chasing a hattrick of PSL titles.
But on the night, City created more clear-cut chances, with Thato Mokeke and Kermit Erasmus guilty of wasting the best they had.
Obviously, goalscoring will always be the most frustrating part of the game, but here Downs could also feel they could have been sharper.
However, Benni will look at the depth of quality and versatility of players and feel that his squad is strong.
The midfield that he put out this week was impressive.
Having had stalwarts Thabo Nodada and Roland Putsche ruled out for the start of the season, the trio he used against Downs would have made even Pitso envious.
Abbubaker Mobara and Thato Mokeke patrolled the lines ahead of the defence, while the more advanced Mpho Makola linked up with the attack.
But aside from the tactical and positional awareness the defensive duo have, they both have the passing skills to play the pivot.
Mobara has a superb engine, having played as a wingback in his Ajax days, while Mokeke can also spray the ball around with a talented left foot.
This from manne who will tell you they are more comfortable in the backline.
Then in the backline, goal hero Edmilson Dove slotted in on the left of a centreback pairing. That’s one position more central than his regular leftback station.
His players’ intelligence will definitely give Benni an advantage in this title race. Now it’s time to harness that and wait for his returning stars to take them to another level.