TS Galaxy handed Fadlu Davids a losing start on his return to Maritzburg United after recording a 2-1 win at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
DStv Premiership
Result: Maritzburg United 1-2 TS Galaxy
Date: 30 December 2022
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Davids gave goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and former Orlando Pirates utility player Wayde Jooste their debuts. The Rockets, meanwhile, had no new signings, as Ivorian forward Djakaridja Traore and Bernard Parker led their attack.
The sides were cautious in the early stages, with promising attacks coming from crosses and set-plays, as on 19 minutes Traore threatened for Galaxy with a header in the box that missed narrowly wide.
As the game became tighter, Maritzburg took the lead fortuitously eight minutes before the interval after Traore header Keegan Ritchie's free-kick into his own net.
Sead Ramovic's charges immediately launched an attack after going behind and Traore redeemed himself, as he levelled matters with a header from Lindokuhle Mbatha's cross.
Galaxy had a strong start in the second stanza as Bathusi Aubaas and Mbatha both forced good saves from Leaner from their sustained pressure.
The Team of Choice were looking to get back into the game with 20 minutes remaining, as Davids made a tactical change that saw Lungelo Bhengu replace Bonginkosi Makume.
However, the visitors remained in good shape going forward and Traore gave them the lead in the last 13 minutes and grabbed his brace with close-range shot into the bottom corner.
Maritzburg went for broke in the closing stages with a double attacking change, as Friday Samu and Claude Van der Ross added numbers going forward.
However, Galaxy did not give much away defensively and held on to their first victory in ten matches.
The Team of Choice lost their third game in a row, as they remained at the bottom of the log while the Rockets climbed up to ninth.
Here's how they lined up:
Maritzburg United: 32. Leaner, 5. Makume, 16. Ritchie, 27. Ndengane, 8. Graham, 10. Human, 23. Moloisane, 45. Jooste, 28. Palace, 26. Kimvuidi, 9. Macheke
Subs: 31. Ndlovu, 4. Hlongwa, 11. Soukouna, 20. Samu, 12. Njoti, 24. Bhengu, 47. Van der Ross, 17. Conco, 43. Zondi
TS Galaxy: 38. Buthelezi, 3. Sanoka, 11. Nyama, 5. Msimango, 23. Munyai, 49. Sebelelele, 8. Mbunjana, 17. Parker, 15. Aubaas, 35. Mbatha, 9. Traore.
Subs: 32. Kolak, 24. Vilakazi, 28. Phohlongo, 13. Hlongwane, 20. Mlambo, 4. M.Mahlangu, 7. Mongae, 30. Mere, 44. M.Mahlangu
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