Nedbank Cup champions Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) beat Maritzburg United 1-0 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon to step out of the relegation.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, whose goal earned TTM the cup two weeks ago, proved decisive again.
He danced with the ball past four Maritzburg defenders before firing an angled low shot to the far post low corner in the 68th minute.
Before the goal, Maritzburg had the warning signs as Mnyamane flashed his effort fractionally wide after connecting a delivery from the left flank in the 65th minute.
A minute later, Ndlondlo was put through but he sent his effort weakly into the palms of the goalkeeper. However, he got it right two minutes later.
In a post-match interview with SuperSport Television, Ndlondlo reflected on his earlier unsuccessful goal attempt and the actual goal.
“It wasn’t an easy one we knew that we needed maximum points because we were playing at home, but it wasn’t easy. I managed to come back and get the goal,” he told SuperSport Television.
TTM took their tally to 28 points from 27 games while lying on position 13, a step above Maritzburg who have similar number of points.
Maritzburg were coming from a 3-2 win over Golden Arrows whereas TTM were smarting from an away 1-0 loss to SuperSport United during the week.
TTM finish the season by playing against Baroka, Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.
TTM were crowned Nedbank Cup champions in their maiden season in the top-flight league after seeing off Chippa United 1-0 two weeks ago.
Maritzburg coach, Ernest Middendorp, was so animated after the game he was in no mood to shake hands with his opposite number, Dylan Kerr.
“I said before the game that it would be a tough game…but conceding in such a way from the centre one against four players, this is nonsense, this makes me angry,” the German told SuperSport TV.
Maritzburg have outstanding games against Cape Town City, AmaZulu and SuperSport to escape danger.
Black Leopards anchor the log table with 19 points from 27 games whereas up the table, holders Mamelodi Sundowns lead the standings with 57 points from 26 games.