PSL Playoffs: Maritzburg beat Casric and takes stride towards Premiership survival

Maritzburg United took a huge leap towards staying in the DStv Premiership after their 2-0 win against Casric Stars in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Promotion/Relegation Playoffs on Wednesday at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

SEE | PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoffs: Fixtures, results and log standings

A first-half brace by Rowan Human ensured Maritzburg clinched a significant advantage over Cape Town Spurs in the PSL Playoffs log standings. The Team of Choice move ahead of Spurs, who beat Casric 1-0 on Sunday, in the mini-league due to their superior goal difference.

In this playoff format, each team participates in a mini-league, engaging in a total of four matches. The top spot sees the team secure their ticket for the Premiership season with the remaining two teams shifting into the National First Division, primarily known as the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Spurs, mentored by Bafana Bafana legend Shaun Bartlett, concluded their 2022/23 NFD season in an impressive second position, losing the title and automatic promotion on goal difference to Polokwane City.

Casric, on the other hand, claimed a respectable third place in the NFD, to join Spurs in the playoffs, while Maritzburg, led by Fadlu Davids, found themselves in a less desirable position, finishing 15th in the Premiership and subsequently being forced into the playoffs.

Davids’s charges showed their intent on climbing back into the country’s top soccer league, pressing a Stars team that looked rattled in the early minutes as their defensive shape had gaps which Maritzburg manipulated to their advantage.

Bonginkosi Makume, who suffered relegation with Baroka FC last season, dipped a timely ball over both midfield and defence to find Genino Palace. The attacker