Maritzburg stand firm to deny Sundowns victory

ON paper, Mamelodi Sundowns’ heavy artillery – especially with the addition of Oupa Manyisa and George Lebese – had already won them this MTN8 quarterfinal fixture against Maritzburg United.

But the reality is that they were facing their bogey side. Sundowns, unsurprisingly, were mostly dominant as they enjoyed the lions’ share of the possession, but hardly troubled goalkeeper Bongani Mpandle.

Kennedy Mweene, too, was a spectator for much of the game at the other end of the pitch until Rusike struck close to the hour mark.

This game had been typical of a season opener for both sides before then – heavy legs, slow pace and wayward shots. Neither of the two teams were sharp enough when the odd opportunity to take the lead presented itself. But with Percy Tau, Khama Billiat, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Yannick Zakri leading the line for Sundowns, the hosts should have been slightly more potent in attack and more accurate with their attempts.

Maritzburg held on, however – parking the bus if you like, and who can blame them given what was thrown at them so late into the encounter. Their coach Fadlu Davids set up his stall to guaranteed victory. He, too, had an ace up his sleeve, although it was a defensive tactic, when Siyanda Xulu was called on to help keep the aggressive Brazilians at bay.

Davids will earner further praise from fans, neutrals and his bosses after this win, and has been asked to finish in the top eight during the 2017/18 season and reach one cup final. Given the way Maritzburg approached this game against the African champions, it might just be attainable.