THE gloom lifted for SuperSport United as they recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Maritzburg United in their league encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday night.
Victory, courtesy of Aubrey Modiba, ended an eight-game winless streak, lifting Matsatsantsa out of the mediocre they’ve slipped into since their Caf Confederation Cup exploits.
United have played as many as three matches a week, catching up with the rest of the PSL teams.
But lately the tight schedule seemed to have taken its toll on Eric Tinkler’s men.
But as Tinkler said, only one win is all it would take to turn things around.
Yesterday the Tshwane side defended resolutely before they could celebrate their fifth win of the season.
Modiba atoned for his first half blunder, as he finished off beautifully to open the score in the 78th minute.
Thuso Phala whipped in a cross, Kingston Nkhatha flicked it before it fell for Modiba to ram in.
Maritzburg had never won a league match against Matsatsantsa at home in over a decade and it wasn’t difficult to figure out why it had stayed like a tough stain.
They certainly weren’t the team which trounced Bloemfontein Celtic 4-0 six days ago, the likes of Lebogang Maboe and Mohau Mokate missing in action.
United kept the home side in check, their resolute defence snuffing out any danger from the Maritzburg wingers.
But Tinkler’s men couldn’t make their dominance count as they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Deolin Mekoa posed a threat, having two chances at goal but could not find Maritzburg’s breakthrough.
Modiba messed a golden opportunity to put Matsatsantsa ahead, sending his low shot inches wide, on the stroke of half-time.
Released by Thuso Phala, Modiba opted for a shot instead of laying off for Kingston Nkhatha.
He could have done better with United’s only clear chance in the lukewarm opening half.
“Today was all about getting the win,” said Tinkler afterwards.
“We could have hurt them but missed some opportunities. The players were a lot hungrier tonight.”
