Maritzburg United chairman slams players and defensive tactics after relegation

The "Team of Choice" failed to salvage their DStv Premiership status, narrowly missing out to Cape Town Spurs in a three-way promotion/relegation playoff.

Kadodia has now come forward, asserting that their demotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship has cost his side a staggering R50 million, while also casting doubt on head coach Fadlu Davids' "defensive tactics".

Kadodia's harshest condemnation was reserved for the players who he believes have let down the club.

In his full statement, Kadodia expressed his disappointment, saying, "Wednesday, the 14th of June, will forever be etched as a solemn night in our football history spanning two decades. Despite the presence of 12,000 passionate fans at our renowned Harry Gwala Stadium, which had been hailed as an impenetrable fortress for visiting teams until this season, we regrettably succumbed to the despairing fate of relegation."

He continued, "To the members of the board, it was a moment of immense disappointment, as our inability to score even a single goal came at a significant financial cost of R50 million."

Kadodia also addressed the city and their efforts to provide enthralling entertainment, uniting diverse cultures with love and passion. However, he conceded that they fell short at the crucial moment.

Turning his focus to the players, Kadodia expressed a profound sense of betrayal by certain individuals. He criticized their costly concessions of goals during critical stages of their fight for survival, overshadowing the lack of attacking prowess due to unappealing defensive tactics.

Kadodia emphasized the club's commitment to honouring contracts and ensuring timely salary payments, despite facing challenges with meeting payroll obligations. He urged the players to recognize that their actions inadvertently assisted those who hindered the club's progress.

"While this season presented numerous obstacles, we failed to rise to the occasion as we had consistently done in the past, particularly in the previous playoffs and our resilient fight against Jomo Cosmos in 2016," Kadodia lamented.

Despite receiving a chance to redeem themselves in the playoffs and benefiting from what could be deemed divine intervention, certain individuals had alternative motives that derailed the team from their intended path.

Kadodia concluded his statement by urging unity and unwavering determination to reclaim the club's rightful place in the football hierarchy.

Chairman Kadodia also expressed his gratitude to the loyal supporters and stakeholders of the club, signing off with thanks.