Paintsil’s Maritzburg nears sublime finish

Ghana international John Paintsil’s side Maritzburg United FC will likely achieve their best ever finish in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League this season.

The Team of Choice reached the 10th place for the first time last season under coach Steve Komphela. However, their lone-goal win over Ajax Cape Town on Tuesday moved them to seventh position, one above the coach’s objective of top-eight finish.

Defender Paintsil, who joined Maritzburg from Santos two seasons ago, has been the mastermind of the back line alongside Abel Mabaso and Kwanda Mngonyama, whose efforts have earned the club a fifth best defence recognition from the PSL board. In an interview with sowetanlive.co.za, Komphela stated that a first-half finish would earn the club more respect than it currently garners in the league, and also provide entrance into the lucrative MTN8 for next season.

Since making it back to the PSL in 2008-2009 season, Maritzburg have finished 12th twice, 11th three times and made some progress with last season's 10th-place finish.

The Pietermaritzburg-based outfit are bracing for upcoming clashes with Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu.