The Capetonians, who are still in the dark regarding their playing future at the club, looked a much better outfit than usual and even took the lead through Brent Adonis after a fantastic cross ball by Franklin Jones.
However, Russel Khuzwayo put Stars on equal terms to deny United - who did not use any of the players brought down from the Reef by Komphela prior to the weekend -their first win of the season.
Relegated from the Premier League last season, Maritzburg United are making a bold bid to return to the elite ranks and have pulled three points ahead of their nearest rivals in the Coastal Stream after recording yet another win.
An indication that the First Division is being keenly contested is the fact that five of the eight games played at the weekend were drawn.
Ian Palmer’s side defeated Cape Town FC 1-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night thanks to a first-half strike by Fadlu Davids, although the home side should have taken advantage of more opportunities.
In Cape Town on the same evening, Bay United beat struggling Hanover Park 3-0 to continue their impressive season. Peter Kirsten netted a brace, while Adebayo Abayomi was also on target to keep United on the heels of Maritzburg.
In fact, Bay United is now in second position, three points behind, after Ikapa Sporting held Nathi Lions to a 1-1 draw in Durban.
But Sergio dos Santos, Sporting’s coach, says his team should have won the match.
“This was the first match in which I was 100 percent satisfied with the picture we are trying to put in place. But we let them off the hook on a magnificent King Zwelithini pitch. This was the best game my team have played all season, however, the Lions keeper made a number of great saves to deny us three points,” he explains.
In the Inland Stream, the only club to pick up maximum points was FC AK, who beat Winners Park 1-0 at Eldorado Park.
At the Atlantic Stadium, Mpumalanga Black Aces and University of Pretoria played to a 1-1 draw. Both goals came in the first period of play but Aces missed numerous chances to seal victory. Lucas Tlhomelang scored their goal.
Dynamos still lead the pack after a goalless draw with African Warriors, and Witbank Spurs picked up their very first points after a well deserved 2-2 against Ga-Rankuwa United at the Odi Stadium.
