Platinum Stars eliminate Maritzburg in shootout

Pietermaritzburg - Dino Visser saved two shootout kicks as Platinum Stars beat Maritzburg United 3-1 on penalties on Friday to reach the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals after a goalless last-16 tie.

Bongi Ntuli, captain Vuyo Mere and Siyabonga Zulu converted spot-kicks for visiting Platinum Stars, who are bottom of the league table without a win from nine matches this season.

Only Siyanda Xulu was successful from the spot for mid-table Premiership outfit Maritzburg, whose first penalty by Bevan Fransman clipped the crossbar and flew over.

"The coach (Roger de Sa) told me to enjoy myself in the shootout and I did," said recent recruit Visser.

"There is no pressure on the goalkeepers in a shootout - all the stress is on the penalty takers."

A further seven first round fixtures are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, including title-holders Cape Town City away to surprise Premiership leaders Baroka FC.