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'Downs fans want Neeskens out

Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns' supporters called for the sacking of Dutch coach Johan Neeskens on Sunday after a shock 2-1 home loss against Maritzburg United in the Absa Premiership.

"Pitso, Pitso, Pitso" chanted an angry crowd, indicating they wanted recently fired national coach Pitso Mosimane to replace 1974 and 1978 World Cup runner-up Neeskens.

Security staff at the Lucas Moripe stadium in west Pretoria township Atteridgeville struggled to keep the fans away from the entrance to the dressing rooms after the match.

Neeskens, a midfield enforcer in the Johan Cruyff-inspired Dutch 'total football' teams of the 1970s, took over Sundowns last season and failed to capture any of the four domestic trophies.

The ex-assistant coach at Barcelona and Galatasaray has publicly promised to quit at the end of this season unless big-spending Sundowns win the league title or one of the three cup competitions.

Sundowns were expected to win their third league match of the season, but it turned into a nightmare midway through the second half when 34-year-old former South Africa midfielder Delron Buckley netted twice within four minutes.

Each goal was a masterclass in clinical finishing after he combined with Zimbabwe striker Cuthbert Malajila to carve open a disorganised Sundowns defence.

Zimbabwe striker Nyasha Mushekwi, ineffective on the left wing in Sundowns' 4-3-3 system, posed a continuous threat when switched into the middle and he grabbed a stoppage-time consolation goal.

Black Leopards and Chippa United drew 0-0 in Polokwane on a weekend when eight Premiership matches produced only 13 goals and 10 of the 16 top-flight clubs failed to score.

Kaizer Chiefs, Maritzburg and Free State Stars share top place with seven points followed by 2012 runners-up Moroka Swallows (six) and Leopards and Pretoria University (five each).

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