Premier Soccer League - Promotion Play-Offs
Result: Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 0-2 Maritzburg United
Date: 22 May 2019
Venue: Thohoyandou Stadium
Maritzburg United moved three points clear at the top of promotion/relegation table following their slender win away to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) on Wednesday afternoon
TTM made three alterations in Carlington Nyadombo, Khunadi Nkoana and Edward Mnqele, while United brought in Deolin Mekoa and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
In a tense opening period, both sides tested each other’s resolve with Mohau Mokate going closest to goal before the 20-minute mark.
Maritzburg adopted an offensive approach, as Eric Tinkler changed to a back-three on 34 minutes with the removal of Siyanda Xulu for Brian Onyango.
The move almost paid five minutes to halftime, but Hlongwane’s cross cum-shot flew narrowly past the far post.
In the second half, the Team of Choice continued their free-all attacking display but battled to penetrate the home side’s defence.
For their part, TTM slowly managed to break through United’s sturdy defensive block but weren’t able to get the better of goalkeeper Richard Ofori.
Tinkler removed Mokate in the 56th minute for an all-round marksman in Judas Moseamedi to feed off Siphesihle Ndlovu, while TTM opened up their stall from the bench, with the arrival of Sipho Jembula on 62 minutes who came on for Lehlohonolo Nhlapo.
The move paid dividends for the visitors minutes later as Moseamedi’s found space at the far post to head through the arms of Simon Mamudzidi who failed to handle properly.
TTM were rattled and failed to launch any response, allowing the Team of Choice to take full control of matters.
Thus, United hit a second on 82 minutes after Moseamedi turned provider to pick out Hlongwane,who made a narrow run through the area to get the better of Mamudzidi.
At the end, TTM suffer their second defeat in the play-offs and are left with a mountain to climb in their final two matches while Maritzburg moved clear of Royal Eagles.
Here's how they lined up:
TTM: Mamudzdi, Nyadombo, Makgoga, Khumalo, Mabotja, Nkoana, Mashau, Nhlapo, Bhengu, Manqele, Mgaga.
Subs: Jembula, Ramaele, Mohloding, Ndlondlo, Meso, Makhubu, Nevhulamba.
Maritzburg: Ofori, Xulu, Allie, Ndlovu, De Reuck, Makaringe, Timm, Hlongwane, Mokate, Mekoa, Shandu.
Subs: Mpandle, Katerrega, Matsi, Onyango, Kutumela, Moseamedi, Kunene.
