Maritzburg United overcome Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila

Mohau Mokate of Maritzburg United

Saturday Jun 01, 2019. 18:30

Maritzburg United beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 2-1 in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotional/relegation playoffs match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, the Team of Choice recorded their fourth successive win and they will be campaigning in the PSL next season, while Tshakhuma will campaign in the National First Division (NFD).

The Team of Choice got off to a lively start and they had a chance to score through Thabiso Kutumela three minutes into the game.

Fortune Makaringe set-up former Orlando Pirates striker Kutumela, whose volleyed attempt failed to find the back of the net.

The hosts deservedly opened the scoring in the 16th minute and their chief orchestrator Makaringe was involved.

The attacking midfielder's cross was tapped home by Mohau Mokate to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg with the Tshakhuma defence exposed.

Kutumela and Makaringe then combined again with the half-hour mark approaching, but the former missed the target.

Tshakhuma were able to contain Maritzburg and the score was 1-0 to the hosts at half-time.

Makaringe, who has been heavily linked with a possible move to Orlando Pirates, was replaced by Allan Kateregga at the beginning of the second-half.

Tshakhuma pushed for the equalizing goal, but they were struggling to penetrate the Maritzburg defence which was marshalled by Brian Mandela Onyango.

Thembisani Nevhulamba was introduced by Tshakhuma coach Moma Medic as the visitors looked to score their first goal.

However, the Team of Choice continued to attack and they scored through Mokate, who grabbed his brace with a good finish to make it 2-0 to Maritzburg in the 78th minute.

Tshakhuma were able to find the back of the back in the 88th minute through Nevhulamba, who beat Bongani Mpandle in Maritzburg goal to make it 2-1 with two minutes left.

However, the goal proved to be a consolation goal as Maritzburg held on to their slender lead and they emerged 2-1 winners over Tshakhuma.

Maritzburg (1) 2 (Mokate 16', 78')
Tshakhuma (0) 1 (Nevhulamba 88')

Maritzburg: Mpandle, Onyango, Farmer (Sanoka 55'), Ndlovu (Kunene 46'), De Reuck, Makaringe (Kateregga 46'), Timm, Kutumela, Mokate, Mekoa, Shandu.
Tshakhuma: Ramaela, Meso, Mokoena, Makgoka, Nyadombo, Ndlondlo, Makhubu (Msomi 75'), Mbandlwa, Khumalo (Chauke 69'), Bhengu (Nevhulamba 59'), Ononogb.