SuperSport United added to Maritzburg United’s woes as they beat the Team of Choice 2-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.
Bradley Grobler scored both of SuperSport’s goals, while Ronwen Williams scored an own goal.
While not on the bench yet, new Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp watched on from the stands, with Delron Buckley sitting in as caretaker coach.
Maritzburg were in the lead in the 8th minute thanks to an own goal, as Williams deflected Onismor Bhasera’s attempted clearance into the goal. Williams had initially made a good save to deny Thabiso Kutumela.
However SuperSport were level five minutes later when Evans Rusike made light-work of the Maritzburg defence and set up Grobler, who showed great composure to net his third goal of the season.
It should have been another for SuperSport in the 19th minute, but Rusike’s effort was smartly cleared off the line by Dan Morgan.
Just before halftime SuperSport had a flurry of chances to grab the lead, but were unable to find the target.
The rain came down in the second half, and seven minutes in, Maritzburg thought they had a penalty when Jose Ali Menza was brought down, but the referee waved play on.
In the 62nd minute substitute Judas Moseamedi was incorrectly called off-side when he had the ball in the back of the net, and to rub salt into the wounds, Grobler scored again on the end a minute later, and Grobler looked slightly offside, but the goal was awarded. 2-1 SuperSport.
A minute later Grobler had the ball in the net again, however this time he was ruled offside.
With 15 minutes to go Moseamedi had another great chance, firing in a rocket, but Williams made a great save to deny the home team the equaliser.
With three minutes to go, Williams was on hand again, this time to deny Morgan from a free kick.
Maritzburg’s first loss at home on a Friday night in almost three years.
Meanwhile Kaitano Tembo’s men move up to third on the log for the time being. 9 points after 5 games, 2 points off leaders Swallows, and 1 behind second placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who are in action tomorrow.
