Will Maritzburg United Survive Relegation Battle?

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PRETORIA: Maritzburg United played under protest on Sundowns’ coronation night.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned the 2022/23 DSTV Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, setting yet another impressive record of winning the league for the sixth time in a row. Although the Brazilians played to a 1-all draw against the relegation-threatened, Maritzburg United, at Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, on 16 May 2023, they had long clinched the league title.

Having amassed 70 points with 21 wins, seven draws and two losses, it was remarkable for Rhulani Mokwena in his first season as a Sundowns coach, although he began the season as a co-coach alongside Manqoba Mnqithi. In fact, Masandawana won the league title with 23 games, breaking their own record of 25 games, set in 2007.

It was an ambivalent day for the Brazilians as they had bid farewell to their long-time communications officer Alex Shakoane earlier in the day. ‘Mr Goldfinger,’ as Shakoane was affectionately known, passed away last week. While Sundowns pop champagnes in celebration of their league triumph, their opponents were somewhat dejected, as they are still bidding to retain their place in the premier league.

Desperately needing three points, the visitors took the game to Mamelodi Sundowns from the first whistle, but they squandered many clear-cut chances. In the 24th minute, the hosts took the lead through Surprise Ralani. The score was 1-0 at halftime.

The second half started with Maritzburg United on the offensive again. A super-sub, Jose Meza, who is a former Mamelodi Sundowns player, levelled the score within two minutes of having made it onto the field.

The match ended 1-all draw. The point has moved Maritzburg United up to the 14th position on the log with 30 points and one point above Marumo Gallants and Chippa United, who are positioned 15th and 16th respectively with 29 points each.

If both clubs win their last matches on Saturday, then the Team of Choice would go down to Motsepe Foundation Championship, a second-tier league. If both clubs lose, then Maritzburg would survive the relegation. If one club loses and the other one either draws or wins, it might go to the playoffs.

The Natal-based side played the match in protest, as they were concerned that the final round of PSL action should be played at the same time.

Maritzburg’s chairman Farouk Kadodia spoke with Robert Marawa on #MSWon947 before the game and confirmed that they are playing under protest not based on the potential results but playing the game on the night.

“We lodged a protest with the league because we don’t feel right, we are playing 4 days before everyone else. I was disappointed with the explanation that the exco gave,” Farouk Kadodia is quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, Mokwena’s side has now shifted its focus to the second leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals against Wydad Athletic Club on Saturday, the 20th of May, Loftus.