Maritzburg United can only hope that the saying "it's darkest before dawn" rings true after their 4-1 drubbing by Mpumalanga Black Aces on Sunday.
There was genuine optimism after an improved display against Free State Stars despite going down 3-2 at home last week.
While their defensive frailties were again exposed, with the Bethlehem side scoring easy goals along with a penalty, United should not have conceded.
The PSL takes a break after the past weekend's festivities but United are the one team, along with Jomo Cosmos, who are punch drunk from a long weekend that did not produce positive results.
Having equalised against Aces, United should have been able to build on that oasis of confidence.
Such is the absence of confidence they caved in against one of the form sides in the league.
At least Cosmos have their three early season draws to fall back on, while the Team of Choice continue to disintegrate after last season's top-eight high.
Clive Barker's elevation as head coach, replacing Mandla Ncikazi, did not reap the same dividends that Ea Lla Koto had in replacing Kinnah Phiri with Ernst Middendorp.
KaNyamazane Stadium was possibly the worst place United would have started their Barker-era against a team that has taken four points off Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
It speaks volumes about a United team that did not purchase wisely during the off-season.
They have also struggled to gel and find a productive playing pattern.
This is evident in their defensive struggles, where they have conceded a whopping 14 goals in only six matches.
The only time they did not concede was in their goalless draw against Cosmos in their opening league fixture on August 10.
It also takes a special kind of team to concede a goal against a blunt Cosmos outfit, who were typically playing for a draw on that chilly Monday evening.
The sides will meet again on Friday evening in a Telkom Knockout Cup last 16 encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium where Jomo Sono's side will fancy their chances against the weakest defensive outfit in the elite division.
United pray for daybreak
Maritzburg United can only hope that the saying "it's darkest before dawn" rings true after their 4-1 drubbing by Mpumalanga Black Aces on Sunday.
There was genuine optimism after an improved display against Free State Stars despite going down 3-2 at home last week.
While their defensive frailties were again exposed, with the Bethlehem side scoring easy goals along with a penalty, United should not have conceded.
The PSL takes a break after the past weekend's festivities but United are the one team, along with Jomo Cosmos, who are punch drunk from a long weekend that did not produce positive results.
Having equalised against Aces, United should have been able to build on that oasis of confidence.
Such is the absence of confidence they caved in against one of the form sides in the league.
At least Cosmos have their three early season draws to fall back on, while the Team of Choice continue to disintegrate after last season's top-eight high.
Clive Barker's elevation as head coach, replacing Mandla Ncikazi, did not reap the same dividends that Ea Lla Koto had in replacing Kinnah Phiri with Ernst Middendorp.
KaNyamazane Stadium was possibly the worst place United would have started their Barker-era against a team that has taken four points off Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
It speaks volumes about a United team that did not purchase wisely during the off-season.
They have also struggled to gel and find a productive playing pattern.
This is evident in their defensive struggles, where they have conceded a whopping 14 goals in only six matches.
The only time they did not concede was in their goalless draw against Cosmos in their opening league fixture on August 10.
It also takes a special kind of team to concede a goal against a blunt Cosmos outfit, who were typically playing for a draw on that chilly Monday evening.
The sides will meet again on Friday evening in a Telkom Knockout Cup last 16 encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium where Jomo Sono's side will fancy their chances against the weakest defensive outfit in the elite division.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos