Maritzburg United players celebrates a goal during the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic at Harry Gwala Stadium.(Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)
The home team were the first to threaten just eight minutes in. A Deolin Mekoa corner from the right hand side was met by Siyanda Xulu only for the match winner last time out against Ajax Cape Town to scuff his headed effort.
Three minutes later Mekoa was in the thick of the action once again. A brilliant slide through pass from Lebohang Maboe which started the move but the winger’s ball across the face of goal bypassed Rusike at the near post.
Phunya Sele Sele were forced to try their luck from range as United pressed high up the pitch. Deon Hotto had an effort for the visitors from 25-yards out after he was found by youngster Neo Maema but the former’s left footed strike went well wide of Richard Ofori in the Maritzburg goal.
The Team of Choice got their reward after all the pressure on the Celtic defence. A half cleared corner in the 39th minute gave Mekoa a second attempt to deliver and his ball to the back post was well kept alive by captain Bevan Fransman, whose header back across goal was nodded home by fellow defender Sanoka.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit got the all-important second goal, two minutes after the restart. A Fortune Makaringe cross from the left-hand side was deflected into the path of Mokate’s path by Lorenzo Gordinho. Mokate then showed good composure to tap home from close range.
United were well on top and 15 minutes from time they made three. Substitute, Fileccia scored his first goal of the season with his very first touch of the game. The Belgian poacher attacked the near post and poked the ball home after a pin point cross from Bandile Shandu.
Rusike rounded off the scoring two minutes from time with a well struck half volley on the edge of the area.
