Maritzburg dent Bidvest Wits’ PSL title hopes

Bidvest Wits have a lot of catchup matches in their Absa Premiership chase, and losing one of those 1-0 at Bidvest Stadium against a keyed-up Maritzburg United on Wednesday night will not help any title ambitions.

Thabiso Kutumela’s 44thminute winner earned Maritzburg a deserved victory.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt could not have been too pleased at the teams’ cup and league fixturing.

Maritzburg had significantly more rest from their penalties Nedbank Cup win against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Friday.

United coach Eric Tinkler, who has said the emphasis for his top-half team is the highest league finish over a cup run, had also rested players in that game, and had a fresher, near-fullstrength line-up back.

Hunt could not afford to rest players in his big Nedbank Cup last-32 match-up against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium, which was played two days later than Maritzburg’s on Sunday.

It was also an energy-sapping thriller that went to 120 minutes at 3-3, then was won on penalties by the Clever Boys.

Hunt had two key players — midfielder Thabang Monare and winger Deon Hotto — resting on his bench.

He brought in 22-year-old former Portugal-based winger Kgaogelo Sekgota on the wing and former Black Leopards midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange.

Wits then also faced a Maritzburg who, from Tinkler saving the club from relegation last season, then an iffy start this campaign, have been on form.

A workaholic combination whose coach always brings a plan to matches, Maritzburg lost narrowly in the Telkom Knockout final to Mamelodi Sundowns in December and have won 10, drawn seven and lost just three of their last 20 league and cup matches.