Rusike hands Maritzburg victory

Cape Town - There was a sense of satisfaction and hope as Maritzburg United recorded their first Absa Premiership victory this season as they beat University of Pretoria 1-0 at the Tuks Stadium on Sunday.

An early goal in the 12th minute by Evans Rusike saw United holding on till the end as they walked out victorious.

It was the home team that had started with the attacking football as star man Thabo Mnyamane took an early chance but his shot missed the target.

In the 12th minute Evans Rusike netted for Maritzburg, giving them a 1-0 lead after an assist from striker Mohammed Anas.

Then Thabo Mnyamane produced a great cross which found Atusaye Nyondo, but Tawfeeq Salie made a good save after 15 minutes.

Ashley Hartog also tried to double the score, but his left-footed shot went wide of goal. Khethukuthula Zwane came close to finding an equalizer in the 38th minute but his shot missed the target. 

In the second half Tawfeeq Salie made a good save denying Bacela a goal and Atusaye Nyondo's shot missed the target after 73 minutes.

Towards the dying minutes, Partson Jaure gave United's defenders a hard time, but Salie ensured that nothing went past him as they recorded their first victory this season.