Top 8 eludes Sundowns
Maritzburg steal thunder from Lebese, Manyisa
Maritzburg United put on a masterclass performance in their 1-0 victory against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 yesterday.
The Team of Choice denied new signings George Lebese and Oupa Manyisa a dream debut for Downs after their arrivals from Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates respectively.
A brave showing from Maritzburg flipped the script against the expensively assembled squad in the PSL.
A strike from Evans Rusike in the 58th minute proved enough to eliminate Sundowns out of the winner-takes-all competition.
It was a case of rookie versus veteran tactician as Fadlu Davids looked to outclass Pitso Mosimane, who the top eight title remains the only trophy missing in his collection.
With the Brazilians attack failing to connect, Lebese and Manyisa were handed their debuts in the second half, but it was not enough.
Mosimane tried to accommodate midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi with a place in the starting team alongside captain Hlompho Kekana.
But Vilakazi was hardly noticeable as he failed to be the catalyst the technical team expected him to be.
On the other side, it was evident that Maritzburg were enjoying their football under Davids. Since taking over the coaching reins in November, he has injected a sense of selfconfidence in the team.
Lebogang Maboe fashioned a long-range shot that Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene parried into the path of Sheldon van Wyk, who lobbed his ball over the crossbar in the 42nd minute.
The visitors continued to knock on the opposition door until the wall caved in.
Sundowns had their best chance to take the lead just before the interval, but Khama Billiat shot the ball wide after a cross from Themba Zwane.
With their victory, Maritzburg were pitted against another Tshwane side, SuperSport United in the semifinal draw. The semis will be played on August 26/27.