Maritzburg United climbed four places to second spot on the Premier Soccer League log with a 1-0 win over a struggling Kaizer Chiefs at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Chiefs looked intent on taking control from the start but the visitors came close to getting off the mark in the eighth minute when striker Fadlu Davids sent a shot wide.
And just 10 minutes later Davids missed another chance when he failed to get hold of a free kick.
In the 30th minute Mandla Masango almost gave Chiefs the lead but he watched his long-range shot miss the target.
And five minutes later Rudolf Bester put United ahead with a stunning match-winning goal.
David Mathebula had an opportunity to equalise for Chiefs in the 64th minute but sent his shot skywards.
And Brice Aka almost extended Maritzburg’s lead in the 73rd minute but his shot was cleared by defender Dominic Isaacs.
With 12 minutes left on the clock the home side fluffed another chance to equalise when goalkeeper Brendon Wardle kept out Nkosinathi Nhleko’s effort.
Maritzburg coach Gordon Igesund was delighted with the win and said he hoped Chiefs recovered from their woes this season.
”I’m very pleased with the way we stuck to our game plans,” Igesund said.
”If I can say so, the better team won today. There’s no doubt about that.
”Chiefs are having a bit of a tough time at the moment and I wish them well.”
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic was disappointed with his side’s poor effort, making it clear that some of the players in the squad were in jeopardy of losing their places.
Chiefs slipped four spots on the log to a worrying 14th place.
”I’m disappointed,” Vermezovic siad. ”They don’t have enough confidence.
”I don’t know what I can say. They play well in the week [in training] but in the game I don’t know what happens.” – Sapa