Friday, February 14, 2025
HomeLocalMaritzburg Win KZN Premiers Cup

Maritzburg Win KZN Premiers Cup

Maritzburg United won the KZN Premiers Cup pre-season tournament after a penalty-shootout victory over AmaZulu in the final at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The final had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes. Maritzburg won the shootout 5-3, after Marcel Engelhardt saved Thapelo Xoki’s attempt.

Maritzburg were in the lead in the 17th minute, as two new signings combined to score the goal, Rowan Human set up Ghanaian Richard Zumah, who made no mistake with a fine shot.

In the 23rd minute though AmaZulu were awarded a penalty for a handball from Clayton Daniels. Thapelo Xoki made no mistake and Usuthu were level.

Zukile Kewuti, another new signing put Maritzburg back in front, as he scored in the 40th minute against the team he was on loan at last season. And it was an assist from another new recruit, Brandon Theron, who delivered an excellent cross for Kewuti to finish.

Siphelele Mthembu equalised for AmaZulu in the 58th minute, neatly rounding Marcel Engelhardt before scoring from an acute angle.

While there were chances to win the game for both sides, with Maritzburg getting the better opportunities, neither side were able to find the net and after 90 minutes it ended 2-2 and the game went to penalties

There were goals galore throughout the tournament, 24 in total, with nine scored on Saturday, while eleven were scored in Sunday’s semi-finals, and four in the final.

In the quarter-finals on Saturday, Maritzburg had to fight hard to beat Uthongathi, winning in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, while Royal AM overcame Richards Bay 3-2 in the other game to decide the semi-finalists.

In Sunday’s semi-finals, AmaZulu beat Golden Arrows 3-2, while Maritzburg demolished Royal AM 5-1 to set up the final.

AmaZulu and Arrows are in action next weekend, against Cape Town City and SuperSport United respectively, when the MTN8 kicks off the 2021/22 domestic season.

TRENDING

RELATED ARTICLES