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Middendorp: Refs have sapped our energy

Cape Town - Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp says poor match officiating is adversely affecting his side's energy and confidence.

The Team of Choice lost their third consecutive league match when they went down 1-0 to Polokwane City at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday night.

Before that, Middendorp's men lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs and 1-0 to SuperSport, with both matches having some tight calls going against the KZN side.

"It's not that the referee is to blame but we see 50/50 [challenges] and it's going in the direction of the opponent," Middendorp said.

"It's been weeks now. We got robbed on the short-term and we got robbed against Kaizer Chiefs. There's no doubt about it and I don't know the reasons till today. You can see and feel it and I saw it before. The energy is gone, the confidence is gone."

Maritzburg avoided relegation on the very last day of last season. They are currently 12th in the Premiership standings, with four points from five games.

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