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EYES ON THE BALL: Byrone Hendricks of Maritzburg United battles for the ball with Lehlohonolo Majoro of Kaizer Chiefs last night. PHOTO: BACKPAGEPIX

 There is still a slight chance of winning the title 

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This time, a shock 1-0 loss to Maritzburg United, who before the game were the only side in the Premier Soccer League without an away win this season, delivered a potentially mortal blow to Chiefs' hopes of still launching a title challenge.

Caretaker coach Donald Khuse has now lost his two matches in charge since last Thursday's dismissal of the taciturn Serb, and Amakhosi face a rare season without any silverware.

"There is still a slight chance of winning the title," said Khuse in a post-match interview but without much conviction.

United bagged the points after spending much of the game on the back foot, catching their opponents on the counter attack, with a goal from recent signing Cuthbert Malajila.

It was a night of perfect tactics for coach Ernst Middendorp, who packed his defence and then looked to catch his former team on the counter attack - planning which worked to perfection.

The dour German had led Lamontville Golden Arrows to a similar shock victory at the same stadium over Chiefs in September.

The Team of Choice, who climbed three places after the win, looked more determined while AmaKhosi, who had a lion's share of possession, were bereft of ideas, even to the extent of allowing goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune to take a late free kick that offered them the chance of a dramatic equaliser.

They did strike the woodwork through Abia Nale and might have had a legitimate claim for a penalty, but it was the same for the visitors.

The goal that added to Chiefs' misery and silenced the side's supporters last night was scored by Malajila in the 76th minute.

United, who are 10th in the standings on 29 points, are left with five games to wrap up their campaign.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit face log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in their next league match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Chiefs, on the other hand, will be hoping to save face at the expense of strugglers Santos at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday.

Comments

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Tue May 21 16:04:24 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 18, 2012

TupacAmaru

The problem ka di Zebra is that they win the game on paper.

I'm sure uVV is smiling.
UP THE BUCS
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Apr 18, 2012

maneater

i have to say this is no longer funny its really sad whats happening to this team.

@TupacAmaru

i think the problem with the Zebra is Bobby!!!!
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Apr 18, 2012

TupacAmaru

maneater

KANTl uB0BBY, lS HE there F0R LlFE?

C0S lF that's the case, then CHIMPZ must N0W fight T0 be lN the T0P 8
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Apr 18, 2012

Phunyukabemphethe

Good morning Rise Khosi Rise

The defeat seriously dent the aspiration of the A makhosi amahle , the phefeni boys. To Mr Bobby stop your media style tendency

UP THE CHAMP, BHAKASHUSHU WAYA WAYA

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Apr 18, 2012

dadaman1

Qcubule is the problem,since he got injured them Zebras r losing....

UP THE CHAMPS
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Apr 18, 2012

McClaren

i personaly think tht chiefs need a new coach because these guys knew that maritzburg was going to park a bus two days b4 the game and they ddnt come up with any plan to overcome that. i think the problem is with the coach not boby as he doesnt play or say anything to the players
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Apr 18, 2012

Mangoz

"There is still a slight chance of winning the title," said Khuse
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Slightest of chances, yeses, chiefs, mxm.
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Apr 18, 2012

maneater

@McClaren

but he is the one who signs the players, and he has not brought any quality to the team of late. can i suggest the players for him for next season.

Mulomowandau Matoho
Adward Manqele
Thamsanqa Sangweni
Thanduyise Khuboni
Maluleka from AJAX

they will not come easy but they are guaranteed to bring results that the cheap Zimbos he always go for.
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Apr 18, 2012

Rattex_the_rat_killer

Good morning khosis. Its time to face up to reality, KC is f@cked this season, forget about the league.

That Fatty Boom Boom must go too
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Apr 18, 2012

Mhungumbye

@maneater
i have to say this is no longer funny its really sad whats happening to this team
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Exactly Champ, When I say this team need a deliverance they thought I am crazy, look at those 3 Cows who tightly marked Malajila, they fall down 1x1 as if they were fed by rattex till Malajila scores that goal.

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