Maritzburg criticise PSL decision to schedule Downs fixture on Tuesday

The Team of Choice had written to the PSL requesting an entire block of DStv Premiership fixtures be moved to 23 May or that only matches involving relegation-threatened clubs be played a week prior. 

Along with Chippa United and Marumo Gallants, Maritzburg are tied on 29 points heading into the final round as one team will be relegated, while another faces the play-offs against two sides from the second tier. 

Richards Bay are also not safe with 32 points, meaning if all three teams above them win their matches and cut the goal difference then the Natal Rich Boys go down in a scenario that seems unlikely, but not impossible. 

The league, however, rejected Maritzburg’s appeal. 

“We are disappointed that we made a request to play all the matches together – that would be Gallants, Chippa and our game, but they refused. So, after our game…everything is left loose,” Kadodia said. 

“That is a bit of a concern. The whole idea of the PSL is fair play, but this of course puts us at a disadvantage. This is not fair play, whatever reasons they gave us to not change the game are not acceptable.” 

Maritzburg will have to play champions Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday night and – should they win – then have to wait to learn their fate four days later when the rest of the fixture block is concluded.   

“I want to see the same professionalism I have seen over the last few games continue on Saturday,” said Kadodia after Maritzburg narrowly beat Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at Harry Gwala Stadium last night.