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Pietermaritzburg - Hosts Maritzburg United secured a 1-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in their Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday evening.
Apart from a lone attempt in the second half from Aces midfielder Thokozane Khanyile that struck the crossbar in the second half, the visitors didn't threaten the United goal.
United were far superior throughout the ninety minutes and it was their own woeful decision making in the final third of the field that prevented them from winning by a bigger margin.
Both teams fielded their recently acquired players.
For Aces, Benedict Vilakazi and David Mathebula slotted into familiar midfield positions while Thanbang Rooi was fielded in central defence.
United's only signing, Gert Schalkwyk, who was given a free role just behind the striker was one the busiest player's in the first half. Schalkwyk sent an exquisite pass to Rudolph Bester in the 12th minute, which drew Francis Chansa off his goal line. The winger in turn rounded the keeper and directed a cross to Diyo Sibisi who headed wide.
Two minutes later Schalkwyk had sight of the Aces goal and unleashed a thunderous shot but it was blocked by Aces defender Felix Musasa.
Kurt Lentjies tested Chansa's agility in the 20th minute with a teasing effort from distance but the keeper was able to tip the shot over the crossbar.
Schalkwyk should have opened the scoring just after the half hour mark after Musa Nayatama cut through the Aces defence and set him up for a clear strike on goal, but he shot wide.
United made it 1-0 in the 57th minute, when Sibisi scored with a tap-in from Bester's low cross. Still Aces were not able to rattle their hosts. Instead United looked to extend their advantage but were guilty of poor finishing.
