Two goals from Judas Moseamedi guided Ernst Middendorp’s Maritzburg United side to a 2-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon, leaving the Glamour Boys with just one win in nine league games this season and only one point above the relegation zone.
Chiefs started the game with good intent as they went in search of an early goal, but it was the Team of Choice who created the first real opening with 10 minutes gone. Chiefs failed to clear their lines after a long Daylon Classen throw, which allowed Riyaaz Ismail a sight at goal but his effort sailed just over.
It was the Glamour Boys’ chance then to try their luck from range in the 23rd minute, as Lazarous Kambole let fly but again it failed to find the target flying over the crossbar.
Both teams were struggling to create any notable chances with a tactical battle between Gavin Hunt and former Chiefs boss Ernst Middendorp ensuing.
Billiat, however, looked to be a rare spark for Chiefs on the day and he went close with 33 minutes gone as he dribbled past Clayton Daniels in the centre of the park, before hitting a curling effort at goal as Barr watched it go just wide.
The scoreline was 0-0 at the break.
Chiefs were looking for a fast start to the second half and welcomed back last season’s top-scorer, Samir Nurkovic, the Serbian coming on with 59 minutes gone.
It wasn’t Nurkovic, though, who made the impact as Chiefs’ nemesis, Judas Moseamedi, got on the end of a looping cross from Malebogo Modise before applying a glancing touch which left Daniel Akpeyi with little chance – 1-0 with 66 minutes gone.
Chiefs were still struggling to carve open Maritzburg with Nurkovic and Kambole both skewing their efforts when provided half chances.
With 10 minutes to play, Middendorp’s charges dealt a killer blow. It was that man Moseamedi again, who ghosted in behind from a long throw-in before bringing it down beautifully to smash his shot past Akpeyi.
Hunt’s men tried their best to get back into the game but there was no breaking down a determined and well-drilled Maritzburg side on the day.
Chiefs now sit with just one win in nine matches this season as Hunt continues to struggle.