Kaizer Chiefs suffered a third defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Maritzburg United on Saturday afternoon. Rudolf Bester 34 minute scorcher sealed the win for the visitors pilling more pressure on the Amakhosi.

Chiefs who are yet to register a win at Orlando Stadium this season took the field without an array of stars including Josta Dladla and Abia Nale. Mthokozisi Yende who made his debut against SuperSport back in August was given a start on the left side of the midfield while Jimmy Jambo replaced Punch Masenamela on the left side of the defence.

On the right, Mandla Masango who will be jetting off the country on Sunday for U-20 World Cup in Egypt got the nod ahead of veteran winger, Arthur Zwane.

It was Maritzburg United though who were looking at catching the hosts on the break had a brightest start when Rudolf Bester’s found the back of net in the 34th minute giving the stretched Arthur Bartman no chance.

Minutes before Arthur Bartman was forced to parry from Dominic Isaacs header as the visitors searched for an opener.

Chiefs tried to claw their way back into the game with Siphiwe Tshabalala’s tame shot going just wide of Brendon Wardle’s goals following some neat work from David Mathebula. It was 1-0 to Maritzburg United at half time.

Vladimir Vermezovic introduced Jose Torrealba in place of Mthokozisi Yende as the Glamour Boys searched for an equaliser and they should have levelled matters in the 62nd minute when David Mathebula with Maritzburg United defence in sixes and sevens ballooned his shot.

Then Nkosinathi Nhleko the most industrious player on the Amakhosi side on the afternoon had his snap shot parried wide by Brendon Wardle as Chiefs piled pressure on Maritzburg United.

Bester should have grabbed his brace in the 84th minute but his miscued his shot when it looked easier to score than miss. The pressure will be on the hosts who have suffered three defeats, draw one and won one in the league this season.

The Amakhosi visit Platinum Stars in Rustenburg on Tuesday. Kick off for that game is at 19h30.

Chiefs: Bartman, Tau (Capt.), Jambo, Sweswe, Isaacs, Nengomasha, Tshabalala, Nhleko, Yende (Torrealba 46), Masango (Musona 77), Mathebula (Sibeko 64)

Substitutes not used: Metsimetsi, Motaung Jr., Rooi, Letsholonyane,

Technical Team


Vladimir Vermezovic (Head Coach)


Donald Khuse (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)


David Milner (Team Physio)

United: Wardle, Dikulu, Petersen, Ngwepe, Chivuta, Smith (Madindilane 63), Davids (Aka 63), Obada, Bester, Madondo, Hendricks

Substitutes not used: Diouf, Goldman, Zimba, Brown, Badiane

Technical Team


Gordon Igesund (Head Coach)


Salie Adams (Ass. Coach)


Debbie Mitchelle (Physiotherapist)

Match Officials


Daniel Bennet (Referee)


Toko Malebo (1st Assistant)


Zach Siwela (2nd Assistant)


Lazarus Matela (4th Official)


Stan Swart (Match Commissioner)