The PSL season in KwaZulu-Natal opened with an exciting goal-filled derby in front of a small but vociferous crowd at Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Hosts Amazulu nipped Maritzburg United 3-2, making us temporarily forget about the countrywide strikes that are turning patients away from hospitals, keeping students out of school, and possibly shutting our water off tomorrow.
12 minutes into the match a free kick finds the head of a diving Ayanda Dlamini who loops it over Shu-Aib Walters: 1-0 Amazulu.
Ten minutes later Namibian striker Rudolph Bester drew Maritzburg United level courtesy of a goalkeeping blunder off another set play. Traveling fans were quieted once more after Majoro headed in a perfectly calibrated Hadebe cross on 38 minutes. 2-1 at the break.
The second half had two gems. 53rd minute: Mkhonza scores a spectacular own goal — a lob over Mzimela from 30 meters out! 91st minute: Dlamini finishes off a sweet move with a sterling game-winning strike just inside the box. The yin of Usuthu fans’ celebration versus the yang of Maritzburgers’ grief.
While far from a technical and tactical masterpiece, this derby had lots of goals, blunders, and an emotionally charged finish. Well worth the price of admission!
