STEVE Komphela praised another organised defensive effort from Maritzburg United after their 0-0 draw away to Ajax Cape Town on Saturday.

Only runaway league leaders Kaizer Chiefs have conceded fewer goals than United this season. They have let in just seven in their 11 games to date.

"It's double-fold, from a defensive point of view we organise quite well. We try as much as possible to protect our goalkeeper and each individual's role of responsibility gets clearly, clearly defined," Komphela said.

He said keeping possession was another key - the opposition cannot score if they don't have the ball.

"The other side is that the manner in which we play, we try to defend with the ball. We use the ball wisely, which sets us up for the attack. I'm happy with the results. We are on 17 points. Based on what we have and who we are, I'm comfortable and am looking forward to other matches," Komphela said.

Next up for Maritzburg is a meeting with struggling Moroka Swallows at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday, though Komphela feels the Birds' most recent loss, 3-2 at home to AmaTuks having been 2-0 up, could work against his side.

Ajax coach Roger de Sa, meanwhile, pulled no punches in lashing his players following the dour draw.

"We knew it would be difficult against Maritzburg. They are a very physical team and very well organised. But for us it wasn't a great match, overall very poor all round," De Sa said.

"In the final third we were poor, every time we got there our final ball was terrible, I don't think their keeper made a good save all game. We had four or five chances where we could have forced him to make a save but couldn't."