A lot has been said about the fact that relegation-threatened Maritzburg United played their last game days before other teams in a similar situation on the DStv Premiership log.
Over the years, the PSL would ensure that all the last round fixtures are played at the same time so that teams cannot know what is happening elsewhere when two or more teams are chasing the title or fighting against relegation.
However, with Mamelodi Sundowns scheduled to play an important CAF Champions League match against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca this coming Saturday, a decision was made for the Team of Choice to face the league champions on Tuesday instead. The game had ended in a 1-1 draw.
Maritzburg chairman Farouk Kadodia tried without success to have the game played at the same time as the others.
As a result, the chairman lashed out at acting PSL CEO Mato Madlala for the decision, as reported by sister publication Kickoff.
"Look, I don't have to repeat the situation, this has been an outcry that we have one person who owns a club and controlling day-to-day affairs of the league. The reality is that I don't want to get into unnecessary trouble and walk in the wrong lane. But all I can say here is the interest of the club is at stake, and this decision must come from an independent tribunal, and it doesn't have to come from the acting CEO or other people who have an interest. I mean, the acting CEO who owns a club, Golden Arrows are playing the last game of the season against Chippa, and we all know that," he said, in part.
Speaking to the Siya crew, former Maritzburg coach Mlungisi 'Professor' Ngubane said that by playing early, the Pietermaritzburg outfit was placed at a disadvantage.
The Good
"I don't suspect any wrongdoing that might take place on Saturday. I am 110% sure that (Golden) Arrows will not give Chippa (United) the points. I am 110% sure that Swallows will never miss a chance to be in the top eight by letting other people (Marumo Gallants) survive. That's the advantage for Maritzburg. Should Arrows lose, they will be out of the top eight and they won't take chances, which is the same for Swallows who are fighting to be in the top eight. Arrows and Swallows will go out to win their games. Anything is possible in football," said Ngubane.
The Bad
"It is unfair to them (Maritzburg) and the way I see it, they took the problem of others (Sundowns) and made the problem of Maritzburg. That can't be fair. In doing that, they changed the rules because we know that all teams play at the same time on the last day and that is not fair. I would see this differently if Maritzburg was somewhere in the middle of the log, it would have been fine because there would be nothing that they are playing for. But now they are fighting for survival and they deserved to be given a fair chance," he said.
The Ugly
"Maritzburg should have gone for a win against Sundowns. I saw them sitting at the back after scoring and I didn't understand the reason behind that," added Ngubane.
I will always have a soft spot for Maritzburg
"I will always have a soft spot for Maritzburg because I am in good terms with the chairman. With him around, there is always a chance of getting a job at the club. I want them to survive. (With Fadlu Davids' appoint), maybe they looked at the fact that he worked for (Orlando) Pirates and went overseas and they were sure that he is experienced. But I still believe that they need someone with experience to beef up the technical team with someone who has been tried and tested to assist," he concluded.
Which team do you think is likely to be relegated?
